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Facebook app ditches chat, moves to a standalone Messenger
Facebook has been testing new features inside its standalone Messenger app for months, and now the social network is pulling the chat feature from its primary offering. The outfit has included messaging functionality in its main apps for some time now, but late last year, Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company would eventually pull the plug. For a few months now, users that have both apps installed have been linked out to the Messenger software when accessing chat in the regular ol' version. The switch will take place over the next two weeks, and TechCrunch reports that Facebook has begun notifying users of the change. "The reason why we're doing that is we found that having it as a second-class thing inside the Facebook app makes it so there's more friction to replying to messages, so we would rather have people be using a more focused experience for that," Zuckerberg told TechCrunch in November. This means you'll have to download that Messenger app if you want to keep that direct line of communication open with your Facebook pals, unless you have an Android device that can't run it, use the mobile site or keep your talks confined to the outfit's Paper reader.
Facebook Messenger for Android lets you pin chats right to your home screen
Facebook's big-spending CEO presumably has a grand plan for Messenger, now that he's gone to such great lengths to own WhatsApp. For the time being though, his company is continuing to focus on subtle but useful changes to its homemade apps, with the Android version of Messenger just receiving an update to version 4.0. In line with the last week's iOS update, one of biggest new features is the ability to bunch your friends into groups and then pin these gatherings to a dedicated Groups tab, so you can quickly bombard the right people all at once. Unlike iOS, however, you can now also add a shortcut to any group or conversation directly from your Android home screen, letting you open up a floating chat head with a single tap, with no need to navigate through the app. That's the sort of convenience that reminds us why a dedicated Facebook phone was always so unnecessary.
Daily Roundup: virtual Facebook concept, ThinkPad X1 Carbon review and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
BlackBerry taking 'serious look' at bringing BBM to desktops
Remember when BlackBerry was hesitant to let BBM wander to other platforms? So do we, but now that the company has committed to cross-platform support by pushing its messaging service to ecosystems like iOS and Android (including the Nokia X series), it isn't stopping there. Recently we've heard that it's heading to Windows Phone in the coming months, and in an interview with Reuters BlackBerry CEO John Chen mentioned that his team is "taking a very serious look" at bringing the service to the desktop as well. Such a move would make it possible to start a conversation on your PC and finish it on your mobile -- or vice versa. It's a logical strategy for BBM, which enjoyed an uptick of 20 million new users when the service launched on iOS and Android, but has stayed stagnant at 85 million monthly active users in the past month. It's hard to say if the addition of desktop support will trigger new growth, but given the breadth of platform availability, it will at the very least give users more incentive to stick around.
Facebook needs testers for new Messenger features on Android
Apparently Facebook's found the silver bullet for developing its Android apps: crowdsourcing bug testers. In an effort to make Messenger more stable for everyone, Zuckerberg and Co. are asking adventurous Google fans to help work out the application's kinks before new features are released to the general public. The process essentially mirrors what we saw with the open beta for its main app last year. Just sign up for the related Google Group, tick the "become a tester" box in the Play store, download the app, turn on automatic updates and voila you're getting early access to new features. Should a glitch pop up, Facebook asks that you report it with the in-app dialog box. Simple enough, right? Naturally, as is often the case with beta tests, those new bells and whistles might make the app a touch less stable than you're used to.
Facebook Messenger arrives for Windows Phone sans voice features
Microsoft was clearly being cautious when it said Facebook Messenger would be available for Windows Phone within a few weeks of Mobile World Congress -- it's already here, just over a week later. The app offers much of Facebook's familiar chat experience, including group conversations, photo sharing and (of course) stickers. However, are a few missing features in this first revision. There aren't any voice messaging options, and chat heads aren't around to let you quickly jump between active discussions. If those absences aren't make-or-break for you, though, Messenger is ready and waiting at the Windows Phone Store.
Daily Roundup: Apple explains Touch ID, Google's modular phone and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
LINE messenger isn't selling to anyone, instead it's going to let you sell your own stickers
Rumors of yet another messaging app being sold pinned Naver's LINE app to Japanese phone carrier, SoftBank. The app maker denied the claim yesterday, and today (instead) announced that it's adding several new features, including LINE Creator Market, set to launch (at least in Japan) this April. Creator will allow artistic types to sell their own sticker creations on a dedicated market -- and split the earnings fifty-fifty. Images can be as large as 370 x 320, and you'll be able to register sets of up to 40 'stamps', selling each set for 100 yen -- likely to convert to around a dollar. LINE's messaging app has avoided ads, instead offering corporate accounts and paid-for sticker sets. The host site has now gone live with all the details and guidelines.
Facebook Messenger coming to Windows Phone in the next few weeks
Microsoft VP Joe Belfiore made an announcement that will come as a solid addition to the Windows Phone app ecosystem: Facebook Messenger will be making its way to the platform sometime in the next few weeks. No specific date was given, since it's still in the works, but we're told that it's progressing well enough that Belfiore could announce it. More updates from Microsoft as we get word.
Facebook tests new version of Messenger for Android with a refreshed look, quicker access to chats
Starting today, Facebook is testing a "faster and more reliable" Messenger app for Android users. For starters, the mobile software is getting a new look which boasts easier navigation of the chatting landscape. Tapping across the top of the app's UI and swiping left or right will now reveal recent convos, a list of those folks you speak to on the regular and a settings window. The ability to text folks who aren't your Facebook friends is also baked in -- so long as you know their phone number. Icons will appear in the friends list to let users know who is currently using the app as well. If all of those sound like welcome improvements, you'll have to wait it out as the beta will only include a limited number of Android faithful for now.
BBM for Android and iOS notches more than 10 million downloads in 24 hours
By the looks of BlackBerry's stats, millions were not only unfazed by BBM's launch hiccup on Android and iOS, but were also excited to get the app. The company formerly known as RIM says that BBM has been downloaded more than 10 million times within 24 hours since its release on the platforms. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean there are now 10 million devices out there sending and receiving BlackBerry-flavored messages: a boatload of people, including this editor, are still waiting for activation emails before they can even take it for a spin. BBM Video, Voice and Channels haven't made it to the application just yet, but they -- along with other features -- are still on the roadmap. Here's hoping the company's servers can continue handling the onslaught of users.
Facebook Messenger for iPhone adds Instagram sharing
Facebook has updated its Facebook Messenger app for iPhone. The biggest new feature is deeper Instagram integration. Now users can attach photos to messages from Instagram right within the Messenger app. Facebook bought Instagram last year for US$1 billion, and it's nice to see the company put the photo-sharing service to use. Another improvement in this update is a small paper clip icon that users can tap to share Instagram photos and emoji icons. Here's the full release notes: What's New in Version 2.6 Now it's easier to send photos and emoji: - Just tap the paper clip from any message - Choose photos from Instagram and any other album on your phone Don't forget about stickers: Tap the smiley to see what's new in the sticker store. Bug fixes Facebook Messenger for iPhone is a free download.
Tango update brings Facebook-like social networking features
Tango dances its way into a bigger ballroom today -- it's no longer just a cross-platform messenger now that the latest update brings a number of social networking features to the mix. Following the release of an in-app gaming platform, the new version of Tango gives you the power to find potential friends near you if you allow it to access your location. It lets you tweak your profile, add your picture, post status updates à la Facebook and Twitter and send and receive images during a voice or a video call. We're sure you're already active on a bunch of social networks, but if you're looking for a new dance partner, Tango's just a source link away.
Facebook Messenger for Android: now with free stickers
Emojis not giving that missive the right oomph? A Facebook Messenger for Android update has brought stickers into that mix with characters like cats and aliens, lending your chat head conversation just the right dose of nuance. It popped up yesterday as a hidden feature, but now you can download the final version at Google Play (at the source) -- then, just click on the smiley icon in the text input box to start dropping the cute bombs.
IRL: Bluelounge Messenger and the Blackmagic Cinema Camera
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. How do you make our one-man French bureau really, really happy? Obviously, the answer is to give him sparkling wine, a baguette and maybe a striped boatneck shirt. And also, hand him a $3,000 camera to tinker with. If you're at all interested in the three-grand Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Mr. Steve Dent has some detailed impressions (and complaints) after the break. And if you're not, we're still on the hunt for the perfect gear bag.
IRL: Timbuk2's Commute Messenger and Fujifilm's EF-X20 flash
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. When he's not copy editing Engadget, Philip Palermo likes to write about his gadget collection. And that gadget collection includes an impressive pile of camera gear (like this and this and this). Now he's back, taking Fujifilm's EF-X20 flash for a spin alongside his X-E1. Meanwhile, Dan's found a bag spacious and compartmentalized enough to fit several days of clothing and all his trade show gear. Not an easy feat, folks.
Facebook Messenger on Android loaded with free voice calls for Canadian users
Android's flavor of Facebook Messenger has just been updated with VoIP functionality for the social network's Canadian users. There's no word when Android faithful in the US will snag the functionality, but Canucks can at least ring their American counterparts who wield the iOS app. Version 2.3 of the mobile messenger also makes group conversations accessible in the sidebar, allows them to be named from the top of a talk and makes them searchable by name and friends. Hit the neighboring source link to grab the revamped software.
Facebook and 18 carriers to offer discounted mobile messaging data in 14 countries
Shooting the breeze using Facebook's mobile messaging service is about to get a lot cheaper. The social network is teaming up with 18 carriers in 14 countries to provide free or heavily discounted data to its customers. That way, you'll be able to keep talking about who said what (and to whom!) without any resulting bill shock. Networks involved include TMN in Portugal, Three in Ireland, Airtel and Reliance in India. For the full list and a terse set of remarks from The Haus of Zuckerberg, peek past the break.
Microsoft now starting wider transition from Messenger to Skype on April 8th
It turns out that Microsoft's planned March 15th transition from Messenger to Skype is more of a soft target than a hard cutoff. Microsoft will switch off desktop Messenger that day only for a "test group," the company tells ZDNet; if all goes smoothly, the transition will start in earnest with English-speaking countries on April 8th. Every desktop user should be off the boat by April 30th. Messenger will still work on mobile devices, as well as in multi-network clients like Adium or Trillian, but that's not expected to last long -- and it might get quite lonely. Most of us ultimately get a slight reprieve, but the writing is most definitely on the wall.
WhatsApp's data collecting violates Canadian and Dutch privacy laws
According to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) and the Dutch data authority College Bescherming Persoonsgegevens (CBP), the popular cross-platform messaging application WhatsApp violates privacy laws. A joint investigation between the two groups revealed that, with the exception of devices running iOS 6, the app requires access to a customer's address book in order to use the software. This stipulation results in non-user contact information being recorded to WhatsApp servers without permission, which contravenes Canadian and Dutch privacy laws. In September of 2012, the company added encryption to its services as a response to these investigations, but both the OPC and CBP remain concerned about unauthorized data collecting. As it stands, both organizations will continue to monitor WhatsApp's progress toward compliance, with the Dutch agency reserving its right to impose fines against the firm if necessary.
