Facebook Messenger is one of the most used instant mobile messaging applications out there. The chat client is used by millions of people as their main channel of communication and it comes second after WhatsApp in the number of monthly active users. The developer Facebook has released a new beta version for Android devices with build number 98.0.0.18.71.
With the latest Messenger update, you can reach your friends and relative instantly without having to pay for every message. The communication channel does not limit users to Facebook friends only, you can also start a conversation with anyone in your contact list. The app also allows users to shoot videos, take photos and send share them right from within the app. Chatting can also be continued even when the user is on other apps using the Chat heads feature. Another big attribute by the Facebook App is the free voice and video calls: users can make free calls over Wi-Fi to even people overseas. In addition, you can also record and share voice messages. Last but not least, Messenger allows you to open your gallery, preview photos and choose the right one to share without leaving the chat.
Facebook Messenger allows you to chat with friends on mobile and on the main website. The mobile app and the PC version works almost in a similar way but the former designed to work properly on mobile gadgets. The app comes with an eye-appealing design and is particularly useful for connecting with friends while not on PC. There is also Facebook Messenger Lite that was launched on October 3, 2016. It is a stripped down version of the full-fledged Messenger particularly meant for Android OS users on 2G network. Messenger Lite excludes data guzzling features like voice/video calling and notification sounds so the user is left with basic features such as sending stickers, photos, emojis and link sharing among others. Lite is now available in countries like Malaysia, Venezuela, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Tunisia. It is set to arrive in other countries later mainly targeting places with poor or slow internet connection.
Facebook Messenger app works hand in hand with the main Facebook app so you must have the later installed on your device to use the former. Messenger app is dedicated to private chats while the main app allows you to interact with friends by sharing photos, dropping comments and much more.
Facebook also launched Messenger bot platform that allows developers and brands to create bots for the popular standalone chat service. According to Facebook vice president for messaging products David Marcus, there are 34, 000 chatbots already built for the bot platform.
How to install Facebook Messenger 98.0.0.18.71 on your Android device
The updated beta app can be installed directly from Google Play Store. Android owners should go to the official store run a search for it then proceed to install. If you cannot access the Google Play Store for any reason, you can still find the download file from trusted sites like APK Mirror.
After downloading the Facebook Messenger APK file install it on your Android smartphone. Remember to enable ‘Unknown Sources’ from your device Security Settings otherwise the installation process will be blocked. There are masquerading sites out there which are aiming to trick users to install malicious malware on their phones. With that in mind, Android does not allow direct installation of third party applications. In order to achieve that, users have to agree to take full responsibility for damages that could be caused by such apps to your device, which is the essence of enabling the ‘Unknown Sources’.