Facebook is pulling messaging from its mobile app and creating a completely separate Messenger App. I don't think that this idea is wise.
Convenience and consolidation are key attributes for an effective social media app. Taking away one of the main social features of the Facebook app and making it into its own app does not make much sense. And it could end up frustrating many users.
"Taking messages out of the Facebook app lets us focus on making Messenger even better for everyone rather than working on two messaging experiences," says the social network in a statement.
But...taking messaging out of the Facebook app is actually making it more difficult. The fact that a user could scroll through their news feed and chat at the same time was super convenient. Incoming messages were received in real-time and users could even chat with as many as six people at a time. Separating chat into its own app would mean that users would have to download the new one and switch between both apps. It's even more inconvenient since you can't run two apps on one screen on the iPhone. Assuming that the average user would run both the Facebook and Messenger app at the same time, how is this making anything easier?
As of recently, Facebook has been working on its messaging services, especially with its acquisition of WhatsApp for $16 billion. FB messaging is an essential part of the app and a way for friends or strangers to directly communicate with each other. I don't know how this will turn out. I will most likely end up downloading the separate app but I am sure many people will not be happy with it. I also know a lot of people who hate how the app is constantly changing and redesigning its layout and features, even though its seems to be perfect just the way it is. Maybe Zuckerberg should reach out to his millions of users and see what we think about this idea first?
For the full article check out: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/04/10/facebook-messaging-app/7542739/
Also, check out Mashable's reasons why this is a bad idea: http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/pulling-messenger-facebook-mobile-terrible/
I feel the same way about taking messenger off the Facebook app and making it into an app of its own. I don't want to have to open up a whole new app to message my friends. It is very convenient to have all the Facebook tools in one app. I agree that making messenger its own app is very inconvenient for users!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you Andrew. Facebook's messaging system has always had issues and hopefully this one will be much better, but what's the point? How is a standalone messaging app any different than something like iMessage? I hope that there is something in this app that sets it apart from other messaging services, because otherwise it seems pretty useless.
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