Facebook brings Instant Games to everyone

Facebook just announced its Messenger-bound games will now be coming to all its users around the world. Instant Games brings no-download games you can play right from your Messenger app and include turn-based games that you can play with your friends. It was first launched in the US last year with titles like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Galaga.

Facebook plans to update this library consistently. “Depending on what device you use and where you are located, there are now up to 50 games titles available on Messenger, with more being introduced almost every week.” This launch brings with it new leaderboards and tournament play modes. The new games are expected to roll out in the coming weeks for both iOS and Android apps.

Source: The Next Web

Facebook plans to review content reporting system after murder video stayed on its service for hours

Scott Carlson/Cleveland19News

There are unforgettable moments you get to see on Facebook’s video platform these days. Unfortunately, some of them are terrible and gruesome. One of these was the documentation of a deadly shooting that happened in Cleveland, which stayed on the site for hours before it was taken down. The social network says they’re reviewing their content reporting system because of this. According to a statement Facebook released, “As a result of this terrible series of events, we are reviewing our reporting flows to be sure people can report videos and other material that violates our standards as easily and quickly as possible.

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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

Facebook debuts a new rocket ship icon for what looks like a second News Feed

Image courtesy of Business Insider

In case you see a rocket icon in your Facebook app on your Android or iOS device, don’t be too mystified. Facebook is testing out a new feature, meant to add to your content consumption experience in the app. The rocket icon seems to signify an exploration of sorts (some have even seen the word Explore in earlier iteration). It contains “popular articles videos, and photos, customized for each person based on content that might be interesting for them.” This doesn’t show you something completely different from what you seen on your News Feed. But it’ll supplement that with items from pages or accounts you might not follow. It isn’t an official feature of the app yet but what are your thoughts about this second News Feed?

Source: TechCrunch