Automatic Camera Selection

Abstract

Various embodiments enable a video messaging experience which permits the exchange of short video messages in an asynchronous manner. The video messaging experience preserves the video intimacy and experience of synchronous-type video communications, while at the same time provides the convenience of SMS-type message exchange.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computing device comprising:
 one or more processors;   one or more computer readable storage media; and   instructions embodied on the one or more computer readable storage media which are executable by the one or more processors to perform operations including:
 receiving a user input; 
 ascertaining whether the user input indicates an intent to send a video message, or whether the user input is to enter a video record mode; and 
 automatically selecting one of a front-facing camera of the computing device or a rear-facing camera of the computing device based respectively on whether the user input indicates an intent to send a video message, or whether the user input is to enter a video record mode. 
   
     
     
         2 . A computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said ascertaining comprises ascertaining that the input indicates an intent to send a video message based on detecting a selection of a contact, and wherein said automatically selecting comprises automatically selecting the front-facing camera.