Facebook Messenger for Android is in line for a major update, with the the iOS version being in the pipeline for an update as well. Even though the decision was made quite a while ago to messaging and general social elements of Facebook into two separate apps, the IM faction has still retained many features of the social network in general. Now, however, Messenger plays out much like your other instant messaging apps with a simplified, easy to use interface.You can download the update directly on your device through the Google Play Store or by using the following link:
| Download |  |
| Price | Free |
| Requirements | Android 2.2 or greater |
The update will roll-out to customers in the coming weeks, and if it has not arrived on your device yet, it should very soon. Meanwhile you could consider joining the Facebook for Android Beta to get the latest versions of the Android app delivered directly to your device.
After the update you will notice that the app is faster across the Android platform, with messages being sent and received in a faster and more efficient manner. The new and updated app will let you send messages to non-friends as well, and brings with it phone number support.
With BBM for Android and BBM for iOS finally landing, and with the likes of iMessage, Hangouts and WhatsApp all commanding many millions of active users, the competition will only serve to drive up overall standards.
While Facebook does have an advantage of more than one billion users on its social network, the company will have to work hard to keep users on their own messaging client instead of their competitors.