Facebook Messenger is a new iPhone and Android app by Facebook that focuses on Facebook’s Messaging system. If you’re looking for the perfect Facebook Chat client, Messenger will disappoint you. Messenger is for the Facebook Messaging addicts across the planet. In fact, if you’ve been neglecting your Facebook inbox for some time now, Messenger might help you get back on track. Here’s a look at what it does and why it’s not staying on my iPhone.
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook-messenger/id454638411?mt=8
Price: Free
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Once you’ve downloaded Facebook Messenger, the app asks for your Facebook login info (no Facebook Connect here). If you haven’t confirmed a phone number for your Facebook account, you’ll be asked to do so upon logging in.
Once that’s done, you’ll be taken to your Facebook inbox. If it’s anything like mine, it contains a lot of group messages. In Facebook Messenger, group messages are noted with avatars of the first 3 users listed in a message. This is about as exciting as things get in terms of UI. The app is very plain, simple, and clutter free, focusing solely on messages.
When creating a new message, you can send a message to a Facebook user or to a mobile number in your address book. Location and photos can also be added, but video uploading is not supported. Additional options include naming a Conversation, adding friends, and setting alert times for a conversation. A maps section is also available for friends to see where everyone is. Lastly, you can archive conversations, but not delete them. I find this very annoying.
Facebook Messenger has no other connections to the Facebook site or app. You can’t view user profiles or accept friend requests from the app. There are no options to access Facebook Chat. This is all about the inbox. It’s very straightforward and simple.
All in all, Messenger won’t be staying on my iPhone because I think the Facebook app already does what Messenger should do. However, if you spend a lot of time in your Facebook inbox, then Messenger is made for you.
