Facebook has launched a new standalone app that will allow users to access only the messaging part of its infrastructure.
The app itself allows users to access their inboxes, start chats, and invite others into chats as well. When you receive messages when the app isn’t open you’ll receive push notifications.
The messaging app also integrates SMS, as those contacts who aren’t on Facebook will receive a message via text instead of through the site’s infrastructure.
You can also locate other friends and reveal your own location as well.
Some analysts are suggesting this messing method is the first step of many from Facebook to eventually shift users away from text messaging and onto the Facebook service.
The app is available in the United States, but is not yet available in Australia.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
