Messenger is finally coming back to the Facebook app

Meta has confirmed that Messenger will probably be re-added to the Fb app after a number of years away.

In 2016, the corporate made the controversial resolution to remove in-app messaging functionality to drive folks to its devoted Messenger app. The return of the characteristic is being examined amongst some customers now and will probably be expanded “quickly,” Fb chief Tom Alison wrote in a weblog submit.

“Over the approaching yr, we’ll construct extra methods to combine messaging options in Fb,” mentioned Alison. “In the end, we wish it to be simple and handy for folks to attach and share, whether or not within the Messenger app or straight inside Fb.”

The transfer comes as Meta is in search of new methods to compete with TikTok. As a part of these efforts, the corporate has been attempting to place itself as a platform for leisure and discovery, moderately than merely social networking. For instance, TikTok permits customers to share movies straight by means of in-app messaging, so Meta undoubtedly desires to do one thing related with Fb.

Apparently, this information was tucked away in a bigger weblog submit about Fb’s future, which coincides with new reports that the company is planning thousands of layoffs. This additionally follows Meta’s announcement in November that it plans to cut around 11,000 employees. Throughout all of this, Meta also reportedly lost nearly $14 billion USD (about 19.2 billion CAD) on its plans for the metaverse.

“Opposite to reviews in any other case, Fb will not be useless nor dying, however in actual fact alive and thriving with 2 billion each day lively customers,” claims Alison. “Persons are utilizing Fb for greater than connecting with family and friends, but in addition to find and interact round what’s most necessary to them.”

Apparently, Alison didn’t even point out the metaverse within the weblog submit and as an alternative appeared towards AI. “Our investments in AI are unlocking new methods for folks to find nice new content material on Fb and share it with the folks they care about,” mentioned Alison.

“As our world-class Meta AI analysis groups proceed to make developments in AI, significantly generative AI, Fb — and Meta extra broadly — will look to deliver this transformative expertise to billions of individuals and permit them to create and share in new methods.”

Picture credit score: Shutterstock

Supply: Meta