Facebook Messenger for Windows out of beta

Facebook's Messenger app for Microsoft's Windows platform has graduated from the testing phase and may be rolled out in the coming weeks.

 

Tech site Mashable reported that Facebook's Messenger for Windows, a standalone app that lets you communicate with friends IM-style, will be for Windows 7.

 

“Millions of people log into Facebook every day to keep up with friends. They also browse other websites and run computer programs, so it’s easy to miss important stuff ... Maybe a cousin just posted about getting a new job, or a best friend wants to chat about dinner plans for tonight. You should be able to stay in touch anytime, no matter what you’re doing,” it quoted the Facebook blog as saying.

 

It noted the desktop sequel, based on technology from Facebook-acquired Beluga, to Messenger has been a long time coming.

 

The app also provides "seamless integration" with SMS (texting).

 

Facebook had introduced the Android and iOS-based mobile Messenger app as early as last August.

 

Last December, a version of Messenger for Windows 7 was leaked, and Facebook released a version of the software shortly thereafter.

 

But a Facebook rep said that the release was just a test version.

 

Mac version

 

Also, the rep added Facebook designers are working on a Mac version. Facebook is not saying when that version will be out.

 

Mashable noted the Windows test version in December looked almost identical to the chat bar on Facebook.com.

 

"As with that feature, users get notifications when friends want to chat. Friend activity is also shown, however clicking on these items will take you to a web browser. The same goes for messages in your Facebook inbox," it said. — TJD, GMA News