Facebook is reportedly testing a new way to send messages, to make it easier, and try to compete with Google Hangouts. The new system would allow you to send private messages from the same box where you write status updates.
TechCrunch reports that this new style of messaging will be tested with a small percentage of users to begin with. The status box will now have multiple functions – you could post a status update, photo or private message. TechCrunch says this might lead to users accidentally posting private messages as public statuses, but it’s hard to imagine Facebook risking another privacy scandal with private messages. We don’t know anything about the design yet, so it’s difficult to speculate on how user friendly it will be.
Facebook messaging is constantly evolving, with Chat Heads being the latest way the social network is trying to keep you talking to each other. Putting messaging right at the center of the interface might encourage even more chat and time spent on Facebook.
