Facebook has updated mobile apps with a new ‘Shazam-style’ tool that can identify songs and television shows.
As the user begins writing a status update, a small animated icon will appear at the top of the app.
Launching on both its iOS and Android the audio recognition tool detects the appropriate audio signals and finds a match from its database, the user can then share what he or she is watching or listening to in a status update
Friends seeing any posted songs will be able click on your shared activity for a quick 30-second preview of the tune.
The feature also works with TV shows, including live TV and sporting events. Unlike songs, there won’t be any embedded media in the News Feed.
The service hopes to take advantage of the “second screen” trend, which sees fans of TV shows in particular sharing their experiences on social networks.
Facebook says the feature can be turned off at any time, the audio recording is not stored anywhere and the device cannot identify background noise or conversations.
“If you share music, your friends can see a 30-second preview of the song. For TV shows, the story in News Feed will highlight the specific season and episode you’re watching,” Facebook said in a statement.
Watch this promotional video from Facebook here:
A New, Optional Way to Share and Discover Music, TV and Movies from Facebook on Vimeo.