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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Sound like they want to monitor and eventually control all business and personal online activity. Scary times ahead.
iv just uninstalled fb cause it keeps closing down after last upgrade.must say i dont miss it
You’re probably not in the withdrawal stages yet .
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.
@Patrick, but whatsapp is owned by facebook unfortunately
Just use the mobile site…
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.
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.
Can everybody else see the subliminal JavaScript at the end of this article?
println(“no”);
Document.write(“What JavaScript?”);
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.
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?
Thanks Todd it’s nice to know you’re looking out for me.
In the same way I look out for my clients. You seem to need a bit of looking after
The journal requires Facebook or twitter connectivity to make comments. They should just have an e mail sign in option too.
But the journal likes to keep tabs on people also
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.
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.
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!
I still don’t use messenger I refuse to install it
Yawn…
Did you know you can add Facebook Messenger to your website and allow your customers to contact you directly? http://bit.ly/1RfW4Gw
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