Akin to the ever-popular WhatsApp and their desktop variant, Facebook Messenger has finally taken the leap to the big screen. It’s almost perfect timing for Facebook to release this version with most people either working from home or in self-isolation, enabling those wanting to stay away from video conferencing tools like privacy issue laden Zoom to use a more user-friendly system.
This app has been rumored to be in development for a number of years now, maybe even dating all the way back to 2016 but it seems their focus was more on the launch of Workplace; the desktop collaboration tool that launched in 2017. Last year, Facebook did announce that Messenger for desktop was coming in addition to their statement of:
“People want to seamlessly message from any device, and sometimes they just want a little more space to share and connect with the people they care about most.”
But, there was no specific release date so it was a pleasant surprise to see this software drop, especially in the current climate.
As alluded to in the title of this piece, the app is available for both Windows and MacOS devices on their respective app stores – Microsoft Store and Mac App Store. It’ll bring over the increasingly desired dark mode coupled with the ability to message your friends as well as video call. You can do this currently in the web and mobile versions but having a dedicated app brings everything nicely together in a desktop package without having to load up an internet browser.
Are you going to ditch the likes of Zoom due to their troubled privacy past and opt for Facebook’s attempt to bring messaging to your desktop system? Or do you just see this as a chatting tool for your pals? I’m sure we’ll see some stats to back up either opinion in the coming weeks.
