Facebook comes with WhatsApp competitor

Social networking site Facebook has developed a WhatsApp-like application that allows users to exchange messages. The application is an extension of Facebook’s own chat service, but can also send messages via SMS.

In terms of functions, the application has similarities with the popular WhatsApp chat application. With Facebook’s Messenger app, it’s not necessary to be friends on Facebook to message each other; the app also works with the contacts stored in the phone. According to Facebook, the app can send messages with its own chat service, but also via SMS. It is also possible to stop receiving and sending messages via SMS.

In addition to sending messages, it is possible to exchange photos and to pass on a location on a map. It is also possible to chat with several people at the same time. Users who do not want to provide their location can turn this off. The exchanged messages can be found via the Facebook website if the user is logged in.

The chat application is suitable for iOS and Android and would be available immediately, although it does not seem to be downloadable yet. Users can download the app from the application stores of both mobile operating systems, the company behind the social networking site said.