THE NEWS WRAP: Twitter introduces group messages and video editing features

Twitter has announced it is rolling out a range of new features aimed at boosting public conversations on the platform.

Group messaging will now be available for the private message function, including for people who do not necessarily follow each other.

New! Use Direct Messages to speak privately with a group of up to 20 people. Share Tweets, show emoji & be yourself. https://t.co/8giGhC6OO0

— Twitter (@twitter) January 27, 2015

Users will also be able to capture, edit and share videos directly from the Twitter app in the same way that they can upload photos. Videos can be up to 30 seconds in length.

The new features will be available to users in the coming weeks.

Snapchat introduces news and entertainment service

Snapchat has launched a new feature aimed at selling ads and sharing content from news organisations such as Vice and CNN.

“Snapchat Discover is a new way to explore Stories from different editorial teams,” the company said in a blog post.

“It’s the result of collaboration with world-class leaders in media to build a storytelling format that puts the narrative first.”

Snapchat is currently valued at around $10 billion.

Fintech startup raises $1 million in seed funding

Credit card startup Final has raised $1 million in seed funding ahead of its 2015 pilot program.

TechCrunch reports the round was led by Ludlow Ventures, T5 Capital Partners, Y Combinator and other angel investors.

Founded a year ago, Final aims to give credit card users more transparency about their spending and eliminate the friction around having to cancel a card due to fraud or theft.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 1.62%, falling 287.22 points to 17,391.48. The Australian dollar is currently trading at US79 cents.

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