Facebook users have gotten used to chatting with connections on the mobile Messenger app. Now, Facebook has launched a new Messenger version for Web browsers. This means users can now chat on the Web without being on the Facebook page.
For now, this new Facebook Messenger Web version will not be replacing messaging on Facebook. This means you will still be able to send and receive messages on your Facebook page directly. Rather than replacing the Facebook chat, Messenger is a standalone app separate from the rest of the site. It’s a little confusing if you’re not a mobile Messenger user but could have some benefits.
The Web version is supposed to make messaging easier and less distracting, away from the news feed, notifications, and overall business of Facebook. Instead users can focus on their conversations and pay more attention to the messages they send.
The recent unveiling of Business on Messenger may show Facebook plans to do more with this Web version than just idle chatting. With Business on Messenger, companies will be able to connect with their customers, answering questions, confirming orders, and tracking shipping. A separate Facebook Messenger Web version could help businesses take full advantage of what Messenger has to offer.
You will still need a Facebook account to use Messenger, of course. But once you’re logged in, Facebook chats and messages will appear full screen. This is a step up from the tiny box used on the Facebook site.
The Facebook Messenger Web version looks like it will offer many of the same features as the mobile version: message notifications, photo and video sharing, and even payments. Users will also be able to call each other with either video or just voice.
All in all, the Web version of Messenger is not particularly innovative, though it can probably be expected that Facebook will expand on the service. Right now, the Web version is only offered in English. However, undoubtedly other languages will become available in the near future.
Image via Messenger.com
Tabby,
Did you listen to Mark Z’s talk on Facebook’s developer conference? It sounded that Facebook Messenger could become a new standalone social media communication platform.
No I didn’t get the chance to watch the Facebook developer conference. Facebook certainly does seem to be wanting to expand and I can see how Messenger could become a whole new platform.
I think it’s a good idea. So many people communicate via Facebook. It is better to have it as a software than having to open Facebook in times that I need to talk to someone.
this will be annoying, i wouldnt want to open two separate internet tabs for chatting with my facebook friends and facebooking.
I see your point, I don’t see myself using this either. Though I’ve never been one for chatting online anyway.
Thanks for the great article Tabby.
This is certainly an interesting ploy from Facebook. I really like the mobile app, but whether or not that translates to the web version remains to be seen.
I’m certainly interested to know how they plan on making money through the Web Messenger app (ie. do you think they’ll inject ad messages into the middle of your private messages?) as well. However, in the corporate landscape I think they may have great benefit as employees can easily chat to one another without being distract by newsfeed posts during work hours.