The announcement by Facebook that its users in a number of countries will be forced to download and install a new messaging application has increased worries that it will increase the burden on users who have long used other messaging programs on their smartphones to connect through the social networking site.
The Menlo Park. Calif.-based tech company said on April 8 that in a number of countries, including France, England and other European Union nations, users will be forced to download a standalone Messenger application to remain connected with their friends.
The idea of a standalone app is not new, with many companies already forcing users to do the same, which has led to an influx in the number of messenger apps for smartphones, but Facebook had long integrated its systems to be more compatible than other sites. But no longer.
Facebook argued in a statement that the time had come for it to build a "fast and reliable" service for its millions of users to ensure their experience remains at the highest quality. For now, although some frustration is certain to arise from the need to download a specific Facebook messaging service for your phone, it should help to streamline connectivity and help to separate posting from messaging with contacts and friends.
A company spokesman was quoted as saying that similar changes are expected to be rolled out for all users eventually, but did not give any specific dates as to when the American market will need to get the new app.
On a positive note, Facebook said the new app would also allow voice services, which could have Skype and other voice-calling services on edge as the billion-dollar networking site eyes a new market and a new audience that can be more connected in numerous parts of the globe.
Messaging had been built into the Facebook interphase previously, but the company hopes that the ease of the new Messenger app will have users excited and not frustrated that they will have to make yet another download. Instead, the company believes that by enhancing its networking messaging system, it will increase connectivity and help people to stay in contact across the globe.
The move comes as Facebook recently acquired WhatsApp, seen in the tech sector as a means of maintaining its edge in the messaging service sector. Now that it has announced a new app, it appears that the acquisition could pay dividends in the near future.
