Facebook releases Messenger app for iOS and Android

Facebook has just released a standalone messaging app for iOS and Android called Facebook Messenger, an obvious result of the company's acquisition of messaging start-up Beluga earlier in the year. 

 

Among the app's more notable features... the ability to receive messages through notifications and texts, message friends via your device's contacts, and start group conversations with locations saved on a map. These are definitely welcome improvements, even if breaking the FB experience into two separate apps may be a little confusing to some. At least frustrated iOS users who have experienced frequent crashing and issues with the messaging aspects of Facebook's original, native app will have a decent alternative. 

 

Facebook also notes the app is faster than before, with messages being "delivered instantly" in real time. You can go to the Facebook messenger page to get the app for your device of choice. A full list of features from Facebook below:

 

1. Message friends, groups of friends or anyone in your mobile contacts
2. Map your location, find your friends and make plans on the go
3. Get mobile notifications so you never miss a message
4. Include photos so friends can see what you're doing