Facebook’s R&D division, the NPE team, has launched another experimental application that revolves around music. It’s called BARS and aims to give aspiring rappers a way to record their rhymes with the app’s studio-quality vocal effects and professionally created beats, as well as share their videos on social media. Users can select from the various beats available and, if they write in the application, BARS will automatically suggest words that rhyme with what they are typing
The application has audio and visual filters and an automatic adjustment feature that users can take advantage of to create a sophisticated product. There is also the Challenge mode, in which users will have to rap free while incorporating the suggested word clues automatically. How TechCrunch notes, BARS appears to be more of an attempt by a competitor to TikTok, albeit specialized, since each video can be up to 60 seconds long. The app also has a similar UI, with a vertical video interface with two tabs.
At the end of last year, the NPE team launched the experimental application Collab, which allows users to collaborate on video clips without having to meet in person. The team said TechCrunch that the pandemic played a role in creating both applications. “I know that access to high-priced recording studios and production equipment can be limited for aspiring rappers. In addition, the global pandemic has interrupted live performances where we often create and share our work,” said the DJ team member. Iyler to the publication.
Facebook launched BARS as a closed beta for iPhones, with its first videos submitted by team members. It is currently on the App Store and interested rappers can download it to reserve their username and sign up for the waiting list.