Facebook Messenger gets a new look, new features on iOS and Android

After a good amount of testing with a small group of users on Android, Facebook has rolled out the Messenger update to all users on the platform as well as iOS now. The update will see a whole new, minimalistic look to the Messenger as well as the ability to text message using the app.

The Messenger application has a whole new interface for the application. Your home screen will now be the Messenger, but you can also choose to see which of your friends are available for chatting and whether they are on mobile or on the web using the “Active” tab. There are tiny circles near display pictures too, letting you know whether or not that friend of your uses Messenger. The Messenger icon is depicted by a new white-upon-blue horizontal lightning we’ve come to associate with Facebook Messenger.

All new!

The most important feature – beside the major overhaul as far as the design goes, that is – will be the fact that you can now message anyone using the Messenger application as long as you have their phone number. Even if you’re not friends with someone one Facebook, but have their number in your contacts, you will be able to send them a message, and it will land in their Facebook inboxes. Way to tie in the contacts feature with Messenger. It truly seems to be on its way to becoming a cross-platform messaging app.

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This update bumps Facebook Messenger for iOS to version 3.0 on iOS as well as Android. Head on to the Google Play Store to grab the update for your Android devices and get Facebook Messenger for iOS from the Apple App Store. The update has only just started to roll out, so if you’re still stuck with the old design on your phones, don’t fret, an upgrade is waiting to hit your phone soon.