Twitter iOS app integrates Periscope-based live video, Instagram adds bookmarking support

Twitter on Wednesday updated its iOS and Android apps with integrated live video broadcasting, while Instagram added yet another feature to its mobile apps, namely the long-awaited ability to bookmark posts.

Though Twitter previously supported live video, until today tapping on a button simply redirected people to the separate Periscope app. Now users can tap a "live" icon when composing a tweet and broadcasting will start from within Twitter, complete with normal Periscope features like hearts and comments, and links on Twitter timelines.

A senior engineering manager at Periscope, Sara Haider, told The Verge that the app will continue to be developed as a separate option, particularly since not all Periscope users are regular Twitter followers.

Better live video may be essential if Twitter is going to stave off competition from Facebook, which has offered integrated broadcasting for some time, and even brought it to Instagram earlier this week.

Instagram's new bookmarking feature is relatively simple, invoked by tapping an icon underneath a post's main image. Saved posts are stored in a tab under a user's personal profile, and can only be viewed by that person.