Facebook is working on bringing back an old feature to its Messenger app. The social network is currently testing SMS integration on Messenger on a limited number of Android users.
With the SMS integration for Messenger, users will be able to send SMS through the Facebook Messenger application on Android devices. The feature was first introduced in November 2013 but was shut down as it had failed to take off. It allowed users to the SMS friends that were not on Facebook. As per the screenshots published by Android Police, it looks like the SMS messages will be purple in color instead of the regular blue. This is an optional feature that can be enabled or disabled in settings.
Facebook told Venturebeat in a statement
At Messenger, we are always trying to create new ways for people to communicate seamlessly with everyone. Right now, we’re testing the ability for people to easily bring all their conversations — from SMS and Messenger — to one place. It’s a really simple way to get, see and respond to all your SMS messages in just one app. By choosing to access your SMS messages in Messenger, they’re right alongside all the other enhanced features that Messenger offers.
Besides testing the SMS integration for Messenger, Facebook is also bringing support for multiple accounts. This feature will allow users to manage multiple accounts without constantly logging in and out on the same device. In orde to use this feature, a user needs to open an account settings in Messenger and add users. The latest move from Facebook comes only days after Instagram added support for multiple accounts.
Facebook said in an official statement
Millions of people share phones with their family and friends. Until now, there has not been an easy way for people to access their individual Messenger accounts from shared devices. To address this, we have launched a feature on Android to enable multiple people to log in and use Messenger from a single phone.