Facebook is opening up its Messenger service to third-party developers to let them add their own functions. The social media giant’s service is now being seen as a platform in its own right as opposed to basic spin-off to the main facility.
Some experts have criticized the move, claiming that it will lead to the service becoming “bloated”. The third-party support will allow users to add various kinds of posts. Some users have complained about being forced to switch between the Facebook and Messenger apps when using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Mark Zuckerberg announced the decision at the F8 developers’ conference in San Francisco, saying it would “conversations better”. He claims that Messenger has now been used by over 600 million people at least once a month.
The company recently allowed users in the US to send money to each other via Messenger. Mr Zuckerberg says that a new service branded Businesses on Messenger is to be launched soon. It will allow companies to communicate privately with customers outside of e-mail. The company say this may mean receiving delivery status updates and arranging the return of orders.
Some experts are saying that the company is risking over-loading Facebook and Messenger.
