Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) is aiming to kick-start a messaging feature it dispatched three years ago. A similar adoption of the app that was discarded back in November 2013, wherein Android users can read and reply to texts via Facebook messenger, is now emerging for a few chosen android users in the US as revealed by Android Police through the screenshots they have procured. The modified Facebook messenger app will enable Google chat messages and SMS texts to join in one client.
“Right now, we’re testing the ability for people to easily bring all their conversations — from SMS and Messenger — to one place. It’s a really simple way to get, see, and respond to all your SMS messages in just one app. By choosing to access your SMS messages in Messenger, they’re right alongside all the other enhanced features that Messenger offers.”
Facebook states giving the green light to the trial. Not only will Facebook breathe new life into its terminated app, but it’s also setting multiple account support in motion for the Android Messenger app.
Back in the year 2012 after Facebook introduced the feature, it would not let users save text messages nor operate on the web version or on other platforms. Facebook kept quiet about the matter and it is not certain if similar constraints are at work.
On the occasion that it becomes a big hit to users, this app would present a compelling advance from Facebook to combine SMS and their competitor iMessage, which due to the software and hardware enhancement, can overlay conventional text clients.
The only option for Facebook to benefit from it is to direct users via its own service as text messaging is still considered as the most convenient way of communicating. The messenger had one of the most massive mobile user bases as it passed over 800 million monthly active users last month.
This optional feature, as Facebook states, can be accessed by searching for “Change SMS App” in the Messenger setting panel.
