Facebook is bringing its Messenger app to desktop platforms.
Facebook Messenger users can now access the service on macOS and Windows. The service brings perks such as unlimited and free group video calling as well. The desktop app will sync across mobile and offer notifications similar to the mobile applications. The app also features dark mode and supports the option to share GIFs with your teammates.
The social media giant claims that it has seen a more than 100 percent increase in use of desktop browsers in the past month. It notes that Facebook users are using browsers for audio and video calls via Messenger. In a way to capitalize on this momentum, Facebook is bringing the desktop app to the mainstream. The application will make it easier for Facebook users to stay in touch. This also means there won’t be a need to juggle browser tabs or switch windows to access the service.
Facebook is not the first to take such measures. Both Zoom and Slack introduced updates to their desktop client to make video chat more appealing. As more people are now staying indoors and working from home, there has been a genuine spike in use of video calling services. Zoom has been the biggest beneficiary of them all.
Microsoft Teams, a collaboration tool from the software giant, has also seen multi-fold growth in users and time spent. Now, Facebook is stepping into this game with its own desktop application.
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Facebook will, however, need to steer clear of all the privacy issues concerning Zoom. The company has announced plans to do extensive security review in the next 90 days. With Slack adding Microsoft Teams integration for video calling, the market is only set to get more competitive. The desktop version of Facebook Messenger is now available via the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. It needs to be seen whether it rises to compete with Zoom and others.
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04-03-2020, 06:31 AM
Facebook launches standalone Messenger app for macOS and Windows
