Facebook releases new messenger app for Android
Users can now send text messages within the app and swipe to see who is available to chat.
Facebook is releasing updated Messenger and Facebook apps for Android today, touting a better design and more features.
For the messenger app, users can now swipe left anywhere on the app to see which of their friends is available to chat via Facebook, and send and receive text messages within the app from certain Android phones, according to a blog post.
The update is available today and the text message feature is currently supported on the HTC EVO 3D, HTC One X, LG Optimus Black, LG Optimus Hub, Samsung Galaxy Ace, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Galaxy S3, and Samsung Galaxy Y.
The updated Facebook app for Android incorporates new messenger functions as well, including a button in the upper right of the news feed to show who's available to message.
Other improvements are bug fixes for multiphoto selections, device restarts, and push notifications, according to Facebook.
Users can expect more little changes to Facebook apps in another month. Facebook recently said it's determined to update its mobile apps frequently, promising iOS updates every eight weeks and Android updates every four weeks.