As many people huddled together with family and friends celebrating the end of 2016, a few number of people couldn't help but be alone on such splendid occasion, possibly staring at their newsfeed. Fortunately, Facebook joins in on the fun of welcoming 2017 on both its official website and the mobile app with virtual fireworks, but minus the sound.
Facebook hails 2017 with its own display of animated fireworks, bringing cheer to people all over the world, although only those who have access to the social media app or website get to see this display. The trigger phrase "Happy New Year!" lights up the fireworks display, virtually. This occurred between Dec. 31, 2016, and January 1, 2017. The screen turns blue, the color of Facebook, and the fireworks begin. "Happy New Year!" is not the only trigger phrase available.
Engadget implied that there might be others. However, those were not specifically mentioned. If users used the Facebook Live to live stream their New Year's celebration, they will get to use "masks" and be surrounded by partying emojis.
If you have noticed, Facebook has recently increased its holiday-themed emojis, masks, and stickers. According to CNET, this move is in response to user activity and also to out-compete other rival social media sites such as Snapchat. This will also encourage users to post news about their celebrations more on Facebook.
On one hand, the fireworks display on Facebook did not come with sound effects as you would normally hear from the real ones, as Gizmodo noted. The sound effects from real fireworks display probably would have made the New Year's celebration a tad bit better on the social media app.
Facebook also has left its New Year greetings for its users, which reads: "A new year reveals new possibilities. We're hoping 2017 brings you good times with great friends."
What do you think of Facebook's virtual fireworks display?
