Facebook is killing the ability for users to send and receive message from its mobile app on Android and iPhone. The social network is forcing users to download the standalone messenger app as it is separating it from the main app.
For users who already have the Messenger app installed, nothing will change. Users will still be able to see pending messages within the main Facebook app. However, when they will tap the messages button in the Facebook mobile app, they will be sent over to Messenger.
“In the next few days, we’re continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they’ll need to download the Messenger app. As we’ve said, our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible and avoid the confusion of having separate Facebook mobile messaging experiences. Messenger is used by more than 200 million people every month, and we’ll keep working to make it an even more engaging way to connect with people.”
told Facebook to TechCrunch
The move is part of Facebook’s strategy to develop more standalone apps, like its new short-live photo and video app Slingshot. Facebook Messenger has more than 200 million monthly active users and has been updated with stickers, voice call and many other features over the past few months. The social network also said that Messenger app is 20 percent faster and more reliable than chatting with the main Facebook app.
Earlier this year the company started informing some European users of the upcoming move to the separate app. Facebook says the change will help improve the performance of both the apps over time.
via:TechCrunch