New Facebook Messenger app is available on the Microsoft Store

Facebook released a new beta version of its Messenger app on the Microsoft Store. Now powered by Electron instead of OSMeta, the feature set is closer to the iOS and Android versions of the app. It works on x86 and ARM processors. The app features a clean look with light and dark mode, as well as the option to attach files. The update seems to be rolling out in stages, so you might need to be a bit patient if it hasn't made its way to you yet.

Source: Windows Central

Facebook to soon allow you to transfer photos and videos to Google Photos

It will soon be possible to export your Facebook photos and videos by bulk to other online services. But the social network will be starting with Google Photos, and it will be coming to Ireland first. The feature is part of the Data Transfer Project, which is an agreement between Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Twitter to allow easy, bulk transfers between services. Facebook intends to roll out the feature globally in the first half of 2020.

Source: Facebook

Facebook tries out new search interface on Android

Facebook for Android users in Canada might be seeing a new search interface show up on their apps. The interface shows you topics it thinks you might be interested in along with links and posts related to them. So, for example, you like music, it'll surface content related to the topic. Think of it as something similar to Instagram's search page where you're shown photos from topics you might be interested in. The test is being conducted here, in South Africa, and in the Philippines. There is no word yet if it will be getting a wider release, or if the testing extends to iOS. But the renders Facebook sent to MobileSyrup show the interface on an iPhone.

Report claims Facebook partners with Ray-Ban to develop smart glasses

Engadget

Where its competition has failed, Facebook is trying its luck. The social media company has reportedly partnered with Luxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, to help with the development of its augmented reality glasses.  CNBC reported that the smart specs have been in development for years over at the Facebook Reality Labs in Redmond, Washington. But project Orion, as it's called, has faced a bunch of roadblocks. One of the problems is fitting the hardware into a device consumers would want to wear. And that is where Luxottica can help them.

Just like other AR glasses, these glasses will serve as an alternative to constantly checking on your mobile phone. It shows information like notifications and text messages on a small display in the lens. It could work with the voice assistant Facebook is developing. And it might be safe to assume Facebook would integrate some key features to access its site easily through these glasses. The earliest these glasses could hit consumers would be 2023. As for whether you would want one is an entirely different discussion altogether.

Source: Gizmodo