Among them are a new design, auto-translate tools, and the addition of disappearing visual content. While a new iOS version of the Messenger app was recently released, according to the post, these rumored features are not yet available. Facebook's Big Plans for Messenger The Possible New Design In January, Messenger Product VP David Marcus alluded to a potential new design, admitting that the application had become so oversaturated with features that a "Lite" version was released. Finally, users can also expect a made-over Discover tab, making it easier to connect with brands for purposes like customer service, Cirillo says. Currently, the Discover option is located below the user's conversations. Auto-Translate Features Users will also be able to automatically translate all of their messages into what WABetaInfo calls "the current local language," though what that specifically refers to is unclear. Disappearing Content This potential addition to Messenger doesn't exactly come as surprise, given Facebook's penchant for emulating various Snapchat features since its 2013 (failed) acquisition attempt. The addition of tools like Stories within Messenger almost seems like a predecessortoa feature like this one, with WABetaInfo alluding to Facebook's longer-term interest in it. "Snapchat has become the Facebook R&D lab," Cirillo says. Users with secret conversations in Messenger are also already able set messages to disappear.
Messaging blog WABetaInfo released new information today indicating that Facebook has plans for major changes to Messenger.
Among them are a new design, auto-translate tools, and the addition of disappearing visual content.
While a new iOS version of the Messenger app was recently released, according to the post, these rumored features are not yet available.
Facebook’s Big Plans for Messenger
The Possible New Design
In January, Messenger Product VP David Marcus alluded to a potential new design, admitting that the application had become so oversaturated with features that a “Lite” version was released. Interestingly, Messenger added video chat to the Lite version earlier this month.
“Expect to see us invest in massively simplifying and streamlining Messenger this year,” he wrote.
By the looks of the preview images provided by WABetaInfo, it appears that this new design could be the simplification that Marcus alluded to.
“This is a new slick user interface,” says Connor Cirillo, HubSpot’s conversational marketing manager. “It’s a step back to a product with clear value.”
According to this report, the new design will also allow for quicker actions on a given conversation, like deleting or muting it. All users will have to do is tap and hold the conversation, and a non-intrusive interstitial will appear with those options.
Finally, users can also expect a made-over Discover tab, making it easier to connect with brands for purposes like customer service, Cirillo says.
“Organic discovery for brands on Messenger has been tricky,” he explains. “A revamped Discover tab should make it easier for users to find companies that solve their problems.”
Currently, the Discover option is located below the user’s conversations.
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