As coronavirus outbreak has enforced unprecedented week-long lockdown (though temporary) across the world, people stuck in limbo are trying to find ways to break out of the tedium. Even those who barely have any interest in tech have begun using social apps like Zoom, Skype and even Houseparty to communicate. With people relying on tech to send assignments, projects, ‘attend virtual events,’ Facebook couldn’t find any time better to grab the opportunity.
The company has just released a new Messenger app for desktop and PC to seize the demand for good video conferencing apps. The new app can sync across all devices and offer free unlimited video and group chat. The app supports GIFs and notifications and similar to the mobile app it comes in Dark Mode too.
The new Messenger app available for Microsoft Windows and Mac can be downloaded in the respective stores – Microsoft Store and Mac App Store.
In an official blog post, Stan Chudnovsky, VP of Messenger at Facebook said,
“Now more than ever, people are using technology to stay in touch with the people they care about, even when physically apart. Over the past month, we saw more than a 100% increase in people using their desktop browser for audio and video calling on Messenger. Now with apps for macOS and Windows, the best of Messenger is coming to desktop, including unlimited and free group video calls.”
How Facebook Messenger App For Desktop Works –
Download the Messenger app on your desktop from the respective app store. Once downloaded sign-in, set notification preferences. Following this, a small logo will appear in the system toolbar. Click on the icon in the toolbar and Messenger will pop up on the big screen.
The new Facebook Messenger app as mentioned will work across devices be it iOS, Android, different browsers, the caveat here is that you can add only eight people to video chat. While the standalone app will likely be a threat to other video chat app courtesy of the minimal lag and simple interface, the question arises is will it safeguard users’ privacy.
Download Facebook Messenger App for Windows | Download Facebook Messenger App for Mac