Just a month or two ago, I was happy chatting with my friends about all the varied things on the Facebook messenger, and as usual, it made a few of us discuss a desktop version of this messenger so we can face-time on a laptop. Although, it was just a thought then. Now it seems like we have been living in an alternate reality where some virus has taken control over the movement and lives of the common people, and to stay safe, people are using the video calling apps to be connected with family and friends whom they can’t meet.
Facebook has finally launched the desktop version for its messenger with unlimited calling. It was in the pipeline since 2016, although Facebook launched an app for Workplace for the desktop in 2017. Facebook messenger app for desktop wasn’t announced till last year by Facebook though. The app was to be launched at a Facebook event this year, but due to the COVID-19 scenario, it had to be launched without an event, keeping in mind, it was the right time to launch the app, as people needed to be connected through free video calls.
The desktop app for the Facebook messenger is simple and clean. It gives access to the main Facebook features too. It also features dark mode as well as GIFs. The app for Mac and Windows has the same features as the Facebook messenger which makes it seamless. Moreover, chats can be synced on desktop and mobile versions of the messenger. The feature of getting a notification, muting or snoozing is also made available in the desktop messenger app.
However, the downside of this app is that it doesn’t allow screen sharing and can only allow 8 group members to participate in a video call. Also, one can’t share URLs to join the ongoing calls.
With video conferencing and calling apps like Zoom which have privacy concerns, Facebook seemed to have launched the app for desktop messenger in an appropriate time. As it is, the main feature of any video calling app is to keep the friends and family in contact with each other in all given circumstances. Even though the Facebook messenger app for desktop can’t be used for work purposes much, it can certainly be used in the current times to be in continuous touch with the loved ones.
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