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Facebook's VP of Messaging Products David Marcus speaking at F8's keynote. Facebook

The reason why Facebook wanted people to get Messenger is now clearer

It’s now a platform, and Facebook has big plans for it.

WHEN FACEBOOK REQUIRED users to download a new app if they wanted to send messages on their phone, many were annoyed with it – but for Facebook, there was a purpose behind it.

Part of its problem is getting more people using homemade apps outside of the main Facebook app, and one of the solutions was moving people onto specific mobile apps.

Messenger was one of those services and with 600 million people using it every month – the app accounts for more than 10% of mobile VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calling globally, according to its CEO Mark Zuckerberg – it’s taking its next step forward.

At F8, Facebook’s developer conference, Zuckerberg launched Facebook Messenger Platform, a way for developers to create and incorporate apps specifically for the service.

For now, it’s focusing on apps that complement instant messaging, so 40 apps like Giphy, JibJab and Bitmoji will be available to install and use on the service.

3-install-from-conversation Facebook Newsroom Facebook Newsroom

The other major change with Messenger wasn’t a technical one but a shift towards businesses.

The company sees a future where you can message businesses directly, but instead of asking them how their day is going and making awkward small talk, you’ll be messaging about orders, inquiring about when an item will ship and modifying a purchase after it’s made.

It also allows you to complete purchases within the app if the company in question already has your details on file. Businesses on Messenger will launch in the US over the next few weeks.

messenger_business-2 Facebook Messenger for Business will focus on conversations among customers and retailers. Facebook Facebook

Both moves are Facebook’s attempts to make Facebook Messenger front and centre of your mobile experience.

While it has many rivals in the space, apps like LINE and WeChat in Asia aren’t just instant messaging apps, they contain their own ecosystem of apps allowing users to play games and carry out transactions within the service.

Messenger has taken its first step towards becoming like this, with the latest move and the introduction of Payments last week, but it has a long road ahead.

FB 3 The current number of users on each of Facebook's services (groups has 700m users). Facebook Facebook

Of the other announcements made, 360-degree videos will soon be making their way onto both Facebook’s news feed and Oculus Rift, the VR headset it acquired last year for $2 billion.

A keynote dealing with VR and the progress both Facebook and Oculus Rift has made so far will take place tomorrow.

Read: Don’t want sites tracking your activity? Here’s how you can ask them to stop >

Read: These fake Apple employees try talking people into buying rival products instead >

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23 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimbo Murphy
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    Mar 25th 2015, 6:58 PM

    Sound like they want to monitor and eventually control all business and personal online activity. Scary times ahead.

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    Mute lorna
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    Mar 25th 2015, 7:12 PM

    iv just uninstalled fb cause it keeps closing down after last upgrade.must say i dont miss it

    91
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    Mute joanie
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    Mar 25th 2015, 7:23 PM

    You’re probably not in the withdrawal stages yet .

    40
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    Mute Patrick Bateman
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    Mar 25th 2015, 7:51 PM

    You’ll get past it, off it 3 months and I’ve no intention of going back. You stay in contact with real friends through whatsapp and snapchat.

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    Mute The Emigrant
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    Mar 25th 2015, 9:13 PM

    @Patrick, but whatsapp is owned by facebook unfortunately

    35
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    Mute AN other
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    Mar 25th 2015, 11:53 PM

    Just use the mobile site…

    4
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    Mute Ivan Murphy
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    Mar 26th 2015, 12:05 AM

    Me too, it kept asking me to re-login on my phone, I couldn’t remeber the password, then noticed the time I got back, then decided, f-that. No more facebook on the phone.

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    Mute Paudi Onail
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    Mar 26th 2015, 12:49 AM

    and who sees all this data? installing all sorts of apps and nobody really is sure what they’re doing. both a hackers and data collection paradise.

    6
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    Mute winding_down
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    Mar 25th 2015, 6:55 PM

    Can everybody else see the subliminal JavaScript at the end of this article?

    79
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    Mute Life in no motion
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    Mar 25th 2015, 6:57 PM

    println(“no”);

    35
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    Mute Stiofan MacCanna
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    Mar 25th 2015, 6:59 PM

    Document.write(“What JavaScript?”);

    32
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    Mute Mr Fantastic
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    Mar 25th 2015, 6:56 PM

    And here comes the usual circlejerk of hate for facebook and social media in general from people using their facebook & twitter accounts. Facebook now has a really clear and efficient privacy functionality built into their website that is simple to use and understand. I really don’t understand the fuss that people make.

    29
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    Mute The Todd
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    Mar 25th 2015, 6:58 PM

    I knew you’d be here. Your key board must be up in flames with all the comments you’re posting today. Have you no job to go to? Or is posting on here part of your job description?

    74
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    Mute Mr Fantastic
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    Mar 25th 2015, 6:59 PM

    Thanks Todd it’s nice to know you’re looking out for me.

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    Mute The Todd
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    Mar 25th 2015, 7:01 PM

    In the same way I look out for my clients. You seem to need a bit of looking after

    25
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    Mute Jason
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    Mar 25th 2015, 7:03 PM

    The journal requires Facebook or twitter connectivity to make comments. They should just have an e mail sign in option too.

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    Mute Aasif
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    Mar 25th 2015, 7:41 PM

    But the journal likes to keep tabs on people also

    34
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    Mute pongodhall
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    Mar 27th 2015, 3:36 PM

    I agree. I am not keen at all to be making links here and there.
    Re-messenger on facebook, I will delete the thing if charges come in. If I wish to make a call I will do so on my landline.
    I will if the FaceTime charges on Apple too then the blind will suffer for I wish to,point out many if us are in helpline there so they may ring, show items and check so much as we view it for them and try to keep them safe.
    A small charge here and one there add up and we are soon out of depth for budget severely controlled for pensioners. No, no more charges for we have too many already.

    1
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    Mute China Photo Daily
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    Mar 25th 2015, 7:52 PM

    Wechat has been 6 months to a year ahead of it European competitors since early 2013. If you want to see what new features will be on whatsapp and FB messenger in the next few months download it.

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    Mute Dave J
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    Mar 25th 2015, 8:59 PM

    what do they mean LINE isnt instant enough. it bloody well is instant and its a far better app that fb messenger. you cant be more instant than….instant!

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    Mute Crazy doctor
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    Mar 26th 2015, 6:03 AM

    I still don’t use messenger I refuse to install it

    4
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    Mute Phil Swan
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    Mar 25th 2015, 9:46 PM

    Yawn…

    4
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    Mute Zotabox
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    Nov 30th 2015, 11:58 PM

    Did you know you can add Facebook Messenger to your website and allow your customers to contact you directly? http://bit.ly/1RfW4Gw

    1
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