A long time ago the Facebook app lost the Messenger integration, forcing their users to use their mobile Messenger app, or use the mobile browser. And those who used the latest method won’t be happy to hear that Facebook is now also taking away this option. Going to the Messaging tab on Facebook now shows a dialogue that you should download the app from the Google Play Store.
At first glance it just looks like a message you’ll be able to easily ignore. That isn’t really the case though, the friendly reminder is telling you that your conversations are moving to Messenger, telling you that if you want to keep chatting with your friends, the Messenger app will “Soon” be required. Soon may be the wrong word, because it actually means a few seconds. Dismissing the alert may get you one step further, clicking on one of the chats makes the dialog to appear again, taking you to the Play Store directly. Of course you could tap op the back button every time it goes to the Play Store. The message is pretty clear though, Facebook wants you to use their Messaging app instead of the browser.
Why would Facebook push everyone to their Messaging app?
Motivations for this decision are pretty clear, as Facebook is currently in command of the 2 most popular messaging apps in the world, and it’s no surprise Google wants to monetize these platforms. Not too long ago we learned that Facebook is looking to bring ads to their Messaging app, and pushing all their Messaging users into one app is a natural move for the social giant.
What are your thoughts on the decision from Facebook to disable the chatting functionality on the mobile browser, pushing everyone to their mobile app? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
