Facebook Messenger gets its own web client

There is now a dedicated website for Facebook Messenger, meaning you can use it from any browser without opening Facebook itself.

The social network has just launched the web version of Messenger, which is available for English speaking users now, with other languages rolling out over the next few weeks.

Facebook span out Messenger from its mobile apps last year, and this new web interface looks just the same, although there are some missing functions at the moment. The company says there are no current plans to stop messenger also working on the Facebook.com site, but that could change.

Messenger on the web looks just like the mobile apps. You can pick up your current conversations from it, or start new ones. Your sticker collection is included, and you can install new packs too. Clicking the Photo button lets you upload images from your device, but doesn’t currently allow you to use your webcam or device camera to take a picture. You also cannot make calls via the web version, or record audio messages.

Curiously, whatever device you log on from, you will sometimes see a message encouraging your to ‘Keep the conversation going from your phone’ and a link to install the mobile Messenger apps. Facebook previously had a Windows desktop app for Messenger, but that was discontinued in 2014.

The company’s reason for the new site is so new features can be built into messenger more easily. Messenger is a big focus for Facebook at the moment, with lots of new features being added. Some users already have Payments, which allows you to send and receive money via Messenger, and last month’s F8 conference saw the launch of Messenger apps.

Regardless of why this exists, the Messenger web client is a neat way to chat from your browser without the added distraction of the rest of Facebook.

Visit the Messenger web client
Download Facebook Messenger for Android, iOS and Windows Phone

Source: Re/code

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