Facebook has launched a new app dedicated to sending messages to other Facebook users, called Facebook Messenger. The app, available now for iOS and Android, allows for not just standard text messages to be sent to Facebook friends, but picture sending as well, which will appear on whatever platform the message is sent on. The pictures can be sent to and from web users as well as users of the specific apps, but will not be sent to mobile numbers through the service’s text message alerts, though. Location can also be appended to messages, and this is also viewable on the web, making it easier for users to organize get-togethers and to notify their friends of where they currently are. This app is a direct result of Facebook’s purchase of group messaging service Beluga earlier in the year, as Beluga has confirmed that they worked on the Facebook Messenger app.

Facebook’s new Messenger app is designed to be platform agnostic. Messages can be pushed to users in three different ways: through traditional Facebook chat alerts and messages, through SMS alerts, and through push notifications to both the iPhone/iPod touch and Android apps, the latter joining the ranks of apps using Google’s C2DM (cloud to device messaging) service. Notifications will be pushed to any devices logged in to Facebook Messenger, even if multiple devices are logged in at one time.

With Facebook accounts being so ubiquitous, and the built-in support for messaging all Facebook friends no matter where they’re accessing Facebook or what mobile OS they are using, this app might supplant many people’s texting plans. That would be the real threat – if Facebook could find a way to take on and take over one of the most ubiquitous messaging protocols. As well, the ability to bring together users on different platforms could be a threat to Apple’s iMessage, with it being limited to iOS users. Facebook Messenger is now available for free from the App Store and Android Market.

FREE!

Facebook Messenger

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-08-09 :: Category: Social Networking

Much to my dismay, a couple of weeks back I received a Facebook friend request from my Grandmother.  As if having my mother on my social network of choice wasn’t enough of a drag, after receiving this most recent request, I came to the realization that Facebook contact is becoming more common than even email and phone communication.  Under most circumstances, almost all of the people in any given social circle have accounts, so it only makes sense to use it to stay in touch.

But what if you could replace that clunky Facebook Chat interface with something that was more streamlined and efficient?  In steps developer CrispApp with their newest release, Facebook Messenger to answer your every concern.  Featuring a cleaner interface with additional VoIP functionality, this may very well be your cure for the common Facebook message.  Here is what you can expect:

• Chat with Facebook friends from your iPhone/iPod Touch
• Easy-to-use interface
• Get replies instantly with Apple Push Notifications
• Make free VoIP calls to Facebook friends on desktop or iPhone/iPod Touch
• Easily send photos from your album or camera
• Keep track of all your chats and calls with message history
• View your friend’s Wall in the embedded browser without leaving the app

You can even make use of the voice chat features from your PC, without even having to leave Facebook.  This is amazing technology that has been a long time coming.  Let’s just hope that other voice chat companies like Skype don’t try to swoop in and steal away Facebook Messenger’s user base.  For a mere ninty-nine cents, this is the kind of tool that should be a must own for any iPhone userr with a Facebook account.  Don’t take it from me though, check out their introduction video to the app.  You will no doubt be won over too.

$0.99

fone pro

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-02-17 :: Category: Social Networking