Perhaps you noticed lately that Facebook has been requesting that you download its standalone Messenger app -- that's because Facebook is removing its messaging feature so users download and use the new Messenger app.
While the desktop messenger feature hasn't stopped, the mobile app has been affected, according to PCWorld. “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,” a Facebook spokeswoman said.
Facebook wants the Messenger app to be its primary focus for messaging and to "avoid any confusion" is taking out the messaging service in the Facebook app. It's also likely that the move will boost Messenger's 200 million monthly active users and perhaps make it a stronger Snapchat rival -- something that might appeal to chief executive and founder Mark Zuckerberg. He mentioned that Messenger could be an important business for Facebook last week, just a few days before the recent announcement.
Facebook already had users switch to Messenger in several countries, and apparently it's working well. For those Facebook users who don't already have Messenger app, they will be notified they will have to download and use the new app in the next few days.
Facebook bought messaging app WhatsApp for $19 billion earlier this year, and it's likely using much of its functionality to beef up Messenger, although reports say it may also add electronic payments. So what's going to happen to Facebook's "Snapchat rival" Slingshot? Will it be integrated into Messenger or just simply disappear into the ether? We will be watching.
