Facebook Messenger App Updated With Typing Indicator, Read Receipts, Location Data

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Facebook Messenger's new read receipts and location info in action
Facebook Messenger's new read receipts and location info in action

Facebook has updated its Facebook Messenger app in the App Store with several new features. You can now see when someone is replying to a message with a live typing indicator, much like iMessage in iOS. Read receipts will also reveal when a message has been read and by whom in a group message. Location information has also been added for showing where someone was when they sent a message from their Apple or Android smartphone.

What’s New in Version 1.7

Now it’s even easier to reach groups of friends on the go:
• Text friends for free, using your existing data plan
• Reach friends wherever they are now – on their phone or the web
• Know who’s seen your message, and who hasn’t
• See where friends are messaging you from

Also includes:
• Typing indicator – see when your friend is replying
• Bug fixes

You can hide your location in the app, but you can’t turn read receipts off, unlike iMessage. The standalone Facebook Messenger app is getting these new features first before they are rolled out to the official Facebook app and web interface.

Facebook boasts over 480 million mobile users, and these new features will eventually be available in all mobile Facebook apps. Peter Deng, Facebook’s Director of Product, told TechCrunch, “SMS has been around for 20 years, built it was for these T9 phones. We’re focused on leveraging all the capabilities of today’s devices to create a new messaging experience.”

Source: TechCrunch

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