Facebook Messenger Doesn't Work on Android in India

UPDATE: Thanks to a tip from a reader, we’ve found that Facebook Messenger for Android isn’t accessible in India. I’ve been able to download the iOS app, however, downloading the Android app in this country is as of yet impossible. Check out the screen shot below.

Not available on Android

Facebook announced on its blog that they’ve launched a separate app just to facilitate messaging. What’s interesting is that the blog post was written by the co-founder of Beluga, the messaging service that Facebook acquired recently. The new messaging app is an extension of Facebook messages, which means all emails, texts and messages can be stored in one place. Messenger can be used to reach your Facebook friends as well as contacts in your phone.

Screenshots of Facebook Messenger for iOS

Messenger can also be used to send group messages. You can send messages to multiple contacts or small groups (that you create on Facebook), as well as add location information to the message. The location information will open up in Google maps, so you can tell your friends where you are. You can add pictures to your messages to add more visual information as to where you are. The people you message can comment on your pictures.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

Messenger is available for both iOS and Android, starting today. It is free for both operating systems and can be downloaded from the iOS App Store or the Android Market.