Facebook trying out Snapchat-like disappearing messages on Messenger

Facebook seems to be taking the cue from Snapchat and is testing out disappearing messages on its Messenger for iOS. The screenshots posted by Twitter user @iOSAppChanges show that users can set time limits for their messages, whether these be for a minute, after 15 minutes, an hour, four hours, or one day. This could appeal to users, especially the young crowd who use apps like Snapchat, who don’t want to have their messages stay online. It could also give its users more control over their private communications and even help deter Facebook from getting embroiled in its own Apple vs. FBI-like battle since it can no longer access these disappearing messages.

Source: MacWorld

Facebook brings group calling to Messenger

Aside from being able to make free voice calls over at Facebook Messenger, the app now has group VoIP calls from its Android and iOS apps. All you need to do to start a group call is head over to a group you want to talk to and tap the phone icon. From there, select which members of the group you want to include. You can have up to 50 friends on the same call. It’s a simple feature that might be useful for some. It’s rolled out globally to both platforms today.

Source: Lifehacker + The Verge | Download: Google Play Store (Free) + iTunes App Store (Free)

Facebook rumoured to be unveiling ‘Bot Store’ at F8 conference

Facebook will reportedly unveil a game-changing feature at its upcoming F8 developer conference. The social network will supposedly introduce the Bot Store, which will allow its users to download a range of automated programs that they can interact with through Messenger. For example, you can download a bot for a fast food joint. You can just send the bot your message and it’ll ring that up for you. These bots could change the way we use the Internet and even replace browsers and apps, centralizing everything in this one service.

Chat platforms like Slack and Telegram have been using bots for a while but bringing said feature to Facebook’s one billion users will bring the feature to the mainstream market. The F8 conference is happening on April 12 to 13 in San Francisco. We have to wait ‘til then to get news.

Source: Independent

Facebook now lets you play basketball on Messenger

Here's another potential time waster on Facebook Messenger. The app will now let you play a simple pop-a-shot game. All you need to do to start playing is send a basketball emoji to a friend and then tap it. To shoot you just need to swipe. When you make 10 consecutive shots, the basket starts moving.

Facebook released a mini-game before. In case you didn't know, the app lets you play chess with friends. Just type @fbchess play to begin a match.

Source: BuzzFeed News