An imminent Messenger update has been unveiled at Facebook’s F8 conference, revealing a new direction and feature set for the company’s IM platform.
Nearly one year ago, Facebook made perhaps one of its most controversial moves to date: the social network forced its users to download and use the new Messenger app (a companion to the main Facebook app) to continue sending and receiving private correspondence on a mobile device. Now, news of a new Messenger update sheds light on this decision.
Yesterday, at the company’s own F8 Developer Conference in San Francisco, Facebook made it clear as to why this was the case: Messenger will now tightly monitor a user’s web presence – much like Google Now does – as well integrate with third party apps. Dubbed the Messenger Platform, Facebook intends on providing every Facebook user with a ubiquitous platform through which they can navigate using the internet.
While Facebook has already announced that Messenger will now enable users to make payments or transfer money to their Facebook friends, announcements made today at the F8 developer conference render the company’s strategy with Messenger crystal clear: Facebook wants to be at the centre of how consumers navigate the internet and use services. Managing 3.5 billion app installs last year alone, the company might well be the best equipped to both achieve its goals and tackle Google.
Messenger will now allow users to select third party apps through a selection screen similar to Android or iOS’ Emoji screen, and input content from those applications into chat messages. Additionally, the messaging service will now also emphasise video, and allow for GIF sharing in addition to Facebook’s already cemented partnership with popular video-sharing services such as JibJab and Dubsmash.
Messenger also moves into territory occupied by Google Now, and will collate information pertinent to a user for handy reference: Messenger will be able to track a parcel on its journey through the mail, as well as keep users informed about brands they’ve indicated that they are interested in. This also allows for users who’ve made purchases from major brands to interact with the relevant brand through messenger, as they would a Facebook friend.
Facebook additionally launched a Software Development Kit (SDK) today, aimed at developers to connect internet-enabled appliances and devices to directly connect with Facebook’s services. More than ever, Facebook is intent to integrate itself with the smallest facets of its users’ lives.
Facebook’s F8 conference continues tomorrow – more stories as news develops.
Follow Bryan on Twitter: @bryansmith1138
