Facebook to launch dating feature, other highlights from F8 Conference

Facebook will soon launch a dating service to ensure users spend more time on the app. The feature will compete with dating websites and apps such as Match Group-owned Tinder and OkCupid, according to a Reuters report.

Dating preferences, things in common, and mutual friends will be used to suggest potential matches. Activity within the dating feature will not be shared with a user's Facebook friends, the company said in a statement.

Facebook announced the new feature at its annual F8 developers conference in California. The company has not specified when the service will be available.

Here are other highlights from the first day of the F8 conference.

Facebook says a feature called Clear History is in the works, which will allow users to delete information that lets third party apps and websites identify their accounts.

"If you clear your history or use the new setting, we'll remove identifying information so a history of the websites and apps you’ve used won't be associated with your account," Facebook said in a statement.

The company added that it would continue to provide aggregated analytics, such as demographics, to third party apps and websites.

Apart from some minor updates, the cross-platform messaging app will introduce the group calling feature. Facebook also said that WhatsApp will get new stickers.

Facebook announced the global launch of its virtual reality headset Oculus Go, which is now available on Amazon.

Facebook will let brands use its Camera Effects Platform to integrate augmented reality (AR) into the Messenger service.

Instagram users will now be able to use AR features, such as face-filters, from brands without waiting for Instagram to launch its own.

Day 2 of the F8 conference will be held on Wednesday.