Facebook Messenger adds admin privileges and joinable links

Facebook Messenger is helping users gain more control over group chats with new features the social network is introducing. One is the introduction of admin privileges into group chats. An administrator of a group chat will be able to do things like approve or remove members from group chats as well as promote or demote any person in a group chat into an admin. This is particularly useful for big groups where you’d want to moderate who joins the chat. Another new feature that is coming to Facebook Messenger will make it easier to add users to group chats. There will now be custom invite links that you can send out to someone if you want them to join your chat group. Those who click on the link will be added automatically, unless admin approval is needed.

Facebook tests out Snapchat-like streaks feature

Facebook has on numerous occasions copied features from Snapchat both for its main app and its other properties (like Instagram and WhatsApp). That behaviour continues with the new feature the social network is trying out. This time, it’s copying the feature that has kept Snapchat users, particularly its teen user base, engaged: streaks. These streaks or having continues back and forth direct snaps with friends come with emoji rewards and have had Snapchat users obsessively trying to keep it going for as long as they can.

Facebook confirmed it’s testing this feature out in Messenger, complete with emoji-like icons and a counter that shows how long the streak is going. According to a spokesperson for Facebook, they are testing out the feature "to see at a glance fun facts about the people you message with. For example, a lightning bolt may appear next to the name of a person you've messaged with for at least three days in a row, and a counter will indicate how many consecutive days you've been chatting. We're interested to see if people enjoy this insight, but we don't have any additional information to share at this time." Now, whether this is something users would want, we can’t say. What we do know is this is Facebook’s way to keep users (hopefully) engaged.

Source: Mashable

Facebook to merge Messenger Day with Stories

Facebook looks to be consolidating its Stories feature by folding into it the redundant Messenger Day feature. Stories, in case you aren’t familiar, is the feature that lets you post disappearing images or videos, similar to Snapchat (which is what Facebook blatantly copied down to the name). Now, if you post on Stories, it’ll appear on both Messenger and the main Facebook app. The camera filters remain separate, though. On top of this Facebook is also killing off the Direct messaging feature, which is where replies to your Stories used to go. Now, all the messages to Stories and Facebook Camera will head straight to Messenger.

The social network is also introducing collaborative Stories for events, which will let users collectively contribute to a single Story for an event. These submissions will then be moderated by the said event’s administrators. A new privacy setting will also be introduced that lets you limit who can see your posts. Those with access to the stripped-down Facebook Lite app will also be getting a version of Facebook Stories.

Source: The Verge

Facebook Messenger introduces group payments in the US

Facebook is testing out a new feature in the US. Its Messenger app gets a new group payments option to make splitting tabs an easier affair. Like with other direct peer-to-peer payments, this feature is free to use at the moment without hidden fees. All you need to do is link your account to a debit card. You can opt to send or request cash from someone in a group chat or just pick certain participants. You can decide to put a specific amount or let Messenger split the total amount—with or without yourself included. Don’t expect an instantaneous money transfer though. The money will be transferred to your bank account within five business days. The group chat will show updates on who paid and who haven’t yet.

Source: The Verge