Annoying as it is to have to switch to a different app, Messenger itself is fairly robust, offering easy ways to create groups and send photos, videos, and even voice clips. Your second option? Suck it up and use Facebook Messenger, especially if you're a heavy chatter. Facebook Messenger does offer some benefits, like sharing your location with friends. So to make that your permanent option, just bookmark the mobile Facebook site (m.), then add a shortcut to your Home screen. And as noted over at ITworld, the Facebook app can put a dent in your battery life, meaning you're actually better off deleting it and relying on the Web version instead. This browser-based version also provides a nearly identical feature set and navigation menu, so there's virtually no learning curve. There are a few advantages here, not the least of which is integrated messaging, just like you're used to. Open (then bookmark) Facebook in your mobile browser to continue enjoying integrated messaging. Why should I install a second app just so I can trade the occasional message with a Facebook friend? It reminds me of when Apple ripped podcast management out of the Music app and forced users into a seriously awful standalone app.įortunately, there are two ways to deal with this.įirst, you can open Facebook in your mobile browser, sign into your account, and access the service via its Web interface.

I suspect most users had the same reaction I did: Uh, no. The company now requires you to use the standalone Messenger app for mobile chats. If you're a Facebook user, you're probably aware by now that you can no longer send and receive messages from within the mobile app.

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