facebookFacebook is planning to motivate people to download and use its standalone Facebook Messenger app by removing messaging capabilities from the standard Facebook mobile app.

Currently, users can chat through the Messages tab located on the bottom toolbar in the main Facebook app, but that tab will soon redirect users to download the Messenger app instead. When installed, a message received in the Facebook app will switch the user over to Messenger to chat, as it does now when a user has both the Facebook and Facebook Messenger apps installed.

According to TechCrunch, Facebook is making the switch so that it does not have to support two versions of Messenger, thereby improving both apps. Facebook gave TechCrunch an official statement on the upcoming changes:

In the next few days, we're continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they'll need to download the Messenger app. As we've said, our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible and avoid the confusion of having separate Facebook mobile messaging experiences. Messenger is used by more than 200 million people every month, and we'll keep working to make it an even more engaging way to connect with people.

Facebook has already forced users in Europe to switch over to Facebook Messenger to send and accept messages.

Facebook for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Facebook Messenger for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Z400Racer37 Avatar
Z400Racer37
122 months ago
... aaand I will stop FB messaging on my phone then. :rolleyes:
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
daverso Avatar
daverso
122 months ago
Dumb. I don't want two apps.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
needfx Avatar
needfx
122 months ago
they should remove the main app altogether and rewrite it
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Locoboof Avatar
Locoboof
122 months ago
Translation.... No one used our messaging app because they'd use it within the FB app. So know we'll force you to use it.

I never saw the need for two apps that do the same thing. This story is news to me and I think the move is pretty stupid. IMO

At this point,why not make another app to post pics to your wall? Lol
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
512ke Avatar
512ke
122 months ago
I don't think this is a smart move at all. It makes the Facebook app less useful and relevant. Meanwhile Facebook messenger is not going to stand up against other instant messaging options. I don't get this personally.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nikicampos Avatar
nikicampos
122 months ago
All this complaining! People here don't have any vision.

Everyone claims to love Jobs and his philosophy around here but any time there's a change of the norm people go up in arms.

Splitting the app into two leads to more efficiency, simplicity, and focused use. These are all the traits that Apple and not to mention the iPhone were founded upon.

I use both apps and use them for completely separate reasons. It's a nice divide. Glad to see facebook taking initiative and making the standard app (which is insanely bloated) leaner, more efficient and thus faster.

OMG you are right, you use the apps for two different reasons!!! :rolleyes:

By the way you think, there should be and app for likes, another for viewing pictures, another one for uploading photos.... just plain stupid.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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