When Facebook split messenger off into a separate app last year, it caused a lot of controversy. At the time the company said the move was necessary to the development of both the Facebook App and to allow them to enhance the capabilities of the Messaging function.
Now the company is showing off more than 40 new apps that integrate with Messenger and asking developers to come up with more.
The apps will allow you to enhance your conversations with things like GIFs, videos and audio clips. To see these new apps, open a conversation and then tap the More icon.
You’ll see list of available apps. To install an app, just tap the install button.
You’ll be taken to the app store for your device, then be prompted to install the app.
And yes, these apps will need access to your contacts and your phone. It’s the only way it can message them.
Once installed, your app will be available whenever you tap the More button.
If a friend send you something made with one of these apps, you’ll be able to tap on it and install that same app from the message.
You can also use the reply button to switch to that app to create an appropriate response to your friend.
I actually like the messenger app quite a bit. It’s quicker than sending messages within Facebook. Although I occasionally attach a photo or video and might occasionally as a sticker to a message, I can’t see myself making elaborate GIFs, photo collages or videos to send along with those messages.
It almost seems as if Facebook is trying to create another, private version of a their Facebook feed where you can post photos, videos and share funny little pictures. Only in this case the exchange is private between two users or a small group of users and not shared with everyone on your FB Friends list.
~ Cynthia