Facebook today released an update to its Messenger app for iOS and Android, which brings a new design as well as an improved set of features. This update integrates phonebook contacts with Facebook friends, makes the app overall faster and adds a much-needed icon for online status of contacts. This version was earlier released in beta for select Android users, which after today’s release will be more widely available for Android users as well as all iOS users.
To begin with, the app now comes with a refreshed look with easily accessible tap-based interface and swipe-based navigation features. It will allow users to send messages to their mobile phonebook contacts even when they are not friends on Facebook. For this, it will integrate these contact numbers to the Messenger.
Considering high competition in the messenger app segment, Facebook also fears losing its users to other popular third party messenger apps like WhatsApp, Line, WeChat and now even BBM. The new update will offer an experience similar to that offered by others and make it more user-friendly.
