Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) has sent an alert message to the users of its messenger app with the headline “Messenger: Myths vs. Facts” along with a follow-up message “see how the app really works.” When the world’s largest social networking site decided to remove messaging from its iOS and Android app and instead asked the users to download Messenger, it did not settle very well with the folks.
Facebook defending its decision
The new alert message is placed on the top of the News feed, and the green button along with a cheerful big-foot character draws the attention of the user to the feed. Not all, but few users can find the alert message after tapping “Learn More” button, says a report from The Next Web.
It is a short post from Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) reestablishing company’s policy on permission. It says that like most other apps, this one also asks permission to run certain features such as making calls and sending photos, video or voice messages. For instance, if a user wishes to send a selfie to a friend, the app will request to open the camera and take a picture.
Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) also gave reasons for why it decided to focus on Messenger and spin-off its chat functionality from its main app. “People usually respond about 20 percent faster when they have Messenger, and we think they’ll find both apps useful in different ways.” It said that the company is expecting the users to try out messenger and enjoy everything else that can be performed with the app like chatting with groups and sending stickers.
No options for users
Despite users expressing frustration on a separate app, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)’s separate messaging app has been downloaded millions of times since it was launched. Messenger app is on number one place in both Google Inc’s play store and Apple Inc list of the top three apps in App store. According to The Guardian, till now more than 500 million Android users have downloaded Facebook Messenger app, which is a milestone achieved only by Google’s app.
Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) coming up with a clarification is hardly surprising as it was quite obvious that after the negative and lukewarm reaction of the users the company would go into defensive mode.
