Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger, available both on the website and as a separate app, has become quite popular with over 900 million active users taking advantage of the messenger service. Messaging, similar to texting, allows for pictures, gifs, and stickers to also be easily sent. Users are also able to send recorded voice messages and videos, all similar to SMS messaging services we have come to rely on with our phones. However, this nifty little app can do a heck of a lot more than just that!

(If we are ever Facebook Friends, I hope you like stickers!)

Phone Calls

Within the app, you can call or video chat with your friends on Facebook, regardless of where in the world they live. These calls are free on Wifi or the data on your wireless phone plan. I love this for calling friends and family in different countries. As of April 2016, worldwide group phone calls are now also available, which is great for people who study abroad or work remotely.

Location Pin

This is possible to do on some phones via text, however, sending your location with a pin in Facebook Massager to a friend that provides a map with the location of where you are. This is really useful when meeting someone at a big location, such as a street market, to be able to send your pin to them so they can get directions to your exact location. (Especially for friends who are directionally challenged.)

Send Money

Yup, just add your debit card. You can send and receive money for free to anyone else using the Messenger app. This is really helpful for those busy times at the restaurant where they forget to give you separate checks and you are ready to leave.

Bots

This is still in Beta testing, but I’ve got to say, I am really excited for it so far! (I can’t be the only one who missed SmarterChild from AIM, right?!?) This is a more personalized way for brands to communicate with people. For example, 1-800-Flowers has a messenger bot that handles orders.

For myself, I signed up to receive news from the Tech Crunch bot. Every evening, I received a message alert from Tech Crunch with stories it has prepared based on my behaviors and trending news. I select to “read the story here” based on the headline. It then sends the story in chunks where I can request “next page” or switch stories.

Myself, I signed up to receive news from the Tech Crunch bot. Every evening, I received a message alert from Tech Crunch with stories it has prepared based on my behaviors and trending news. I select to “read the story here” based on the headline. It then sends the story in chunks where I can request “next page” or switch stories.