If you're still putting up with the unoptimized mess that is the Android Snapchat application (unless you have a very speedy phone), you might be excited to hear that the 9.45 update is now available. No, it doesn't make using the app any less painful, but there are some new features to enjoy.

Snapchat has included basic chat functionality for some time, but only now has got around to supporting group chats. You can start a group while sending a Snap or a normal message, and you can even name the group. All messages and Snaps in group chats are deleted after 24 hours, and Snaps sent to a group can only be played once (not counting one replay).

The Paintbrush tool creates interesting results, to say the least.

Next up are new Creative Tools. The new Scissors tool allows you to cut out part of a Snap on the preview screen, and turn it into a sticker for later use. Secondly, there is a new Paintbrush tool that allows you to apply artsy filters to Snaps in your Memories, as seen above. Honestly, most of the filters don't look half bad.

But why though?

Finally, the 9.45 update brings Shazam integration to Snapchat, for some reason. Holding down on the main camera view while a song is playing results in a Shazam card appearing, displaying the song and artist. Tapping the info button takes you to a more detailed page with lyrics, an audio snippet, the music video, and links to purchase the song. The last time I had the Shazam app installed was when I used an iPhone 3G, so maybe this is an attempt to gain more recognition.

The update should be live for everyone on the Play Store, but you can also grab it from APKMirror.

Source: Snapchat