Windows Phone users get own ‘Snapchat’ app

Users of devices running Microsoft's Windows Phone now have their own version of Snapchat, a popular app where messages sent are deleted after a certain period.

Microsoft Research rolled out "WindUp for Windows Phone 8/8.1," which allows time-limited messages and media to friends and family members.

"The name apparently comes from wanting to 'wind up' your friends as they race to see what you've posted," Neowin.net reported.

Neowin noted that while the app uses permissions, Location Services is not one of them - a relief of sorts for users with privacy concerns.

On the WindowsPhone.com site, the app's description indicates users can decide how long a message will last, setting it to expire after a time or view limit of their choice.

"Set a low limit to 'wind up' your friends as they race to see what you've posted, or set the limit high to make your message last longer.  WindUp lets you share pictures, videos and audio snippets, as well as text," it said. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News