Facebook Messenger vs Google Chat

2024. Messenger now lets you create shared albums, send HD photos and share larger files



Meta is introducing new features for Messenger users, enabling the creation of shared albums within chats, the transmission of high-definition photos, and the sharing of larger files up to 100MB in size. This update caters to individuals accustomed to sharing albums or HD images via platforms like Google Drive. Previously, users were limited to viewing a list of photos shared in a chat without the ability to organize them; now, they can create albums in group chats, facilitating organization for various occasions such as vacations or family events. To initiate an album, users select multiple photos from the chat composer and tap "create album," or long-press a photo to do so. Additionally, users can add photos to existing albums by selecting the "Add to album" option. Everyone in a chat can view, add, delete, and download pictures and videos within an album, which can be accessed via the "Media" button in the chat interface. This introduction of shared albums fills a gap in Meta's messaging services, as it's not available on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram DMs, likely making it a welcomed addition for users.


2023. Facebook Messenger is finally adding default end-to-end encryption



Facebook Messenger is enabling end-to-end encryption as the default setting for all personal messages and calls, marking a significant update along with various other improvements. This development is particularly noteworthy for individuals prioritizing online privacy. While Messenger initially introduced end-to-end encryption as an optional feature in 2016, users were required to actively opt in. After announcing tests for default end-to-end encryption in August, Meta, the parent company, is now poised to roll out this security feature for all users. This means that individual Messenger conversations will be completely private, shielded from unauthorized access, including by Meta itself. The encryption covers both text conversations and video calls, though group chats with more than two participants remain without this added protection, at least for the time being.


2021. Facebook is bringing end-to-end encryption to Messenger calls



Facebook has expanded the availability of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to include voice calls and video calls on Facebook Messenger. Since 2016, E2EE has been an option for securing text conversations on Facebook's primary messaging platform. Despite facing pressure from governmental entities to reconsider its plans for end-to-end encryption, Facebook is now extending this safeguard to encompass both voice and video calls made through Messenger. This implies that no one, including Facebook itself, can access or monitor the content of these communications. However, it's important to note that activating encryption is a voluntary action, meaning that without opting in to this new feature, your calls may still be susceptible to unauthorized data access.


2020. Facebook updates Messenger Rooms to take on Zoom



Messenger Rooms, Facebook's competitor to Zoom, is introducing new features to enhance the ease of creating and discovering Rooms, as well as personalizing the Rooms experience. The updated version of Messenger Rooms will prominently display the Rooms to which you've been invited at the top of your Chats tab in your inbox, making them easier to locate. Additionally, the option to create a new Room will be prominently placed in the Chats tab, ensuring its visibility. Various changes have been made to Rooms management as well. You can now create a Room with a default, suggested, or custom activity, set a future start date, and customize your audience selection. Furthermore, the Manage Rooms feature allows you to view, join, edit, or delete the Rooms you have created, as well as invite more people to join an existing Room.


2020. Facebook Messenger's new chat plugin for business websites allows to reach non-Facebook users



Facebook is simplifying the process for businesses to utilize its Messenger service on their respective websites. Previously, the customer chat plugin required visitors to the website to be logged into Facebook in order to engage in direct conversations with businesses. This requirement limited its adoption. However, with the updated plugin, Facebook is removing this limitation by allowing customers to interact with businesses even without being logged in. A new "continue as guest" option will be provided instead. From the business's perspective, they can continue to leverage all their existing tools to effectively manage conversations with these online users, irrespective of whether they are logged in or not.


2020. Businesses on Facebook can now respond to customers in Messenger



Facebook is introducing a new inbox feature on Messenger, enabling business owners to conveniently respond to customer messages using the same app they use for personal conversations with friends and family. This update streamlines communication for businesses, allowing them to handle all their interactions from a single app. No longer will they need to switch between multiple applications to compose and reply to customer inquiries, which many business owners found to be a frustrating process. However, if preferred, business users can still utilize Facebook's Page Manager app to manage their posts, create ads, access Page insights, and respond to messages.


2020. Facebook announces Zoom-like clone with Messenger Rooms



Facebook has introduced a new service called Messenger Rooms to rival Zoom. Messenger Rooms offers a tile-view video chat experience capable of accommodating up to 50 participants. Unlike Zoom, joining a Messenger Room does not require a Facebook account. Moreover, there are no time restrictions on calls made through Messenger Rooms. To ensure privacy, Messenger Rooms provides controls for users to manage who can access their rooms, including the ability to lock or unlock them. If a room is unlocked, anyone with the link can join and share it with others. However, the room creator must be present to initiate the call. With the recent security and privacy concerns surrounding Zoom, Messenger Rooms presents an alternative option for individuals seeking a different video conferencing solution.


2020. Google is rebranding Hangouts services



Google has made a significant change to its enterprise G Suite offering by officially rebranding Hangouts Chat as Google Chat and Hangouts Meet as Google Meet. With this move, the Hangouts brand is no longer associated with the enterprise-focused services. However, Google will retain the Hangouts name for its consumer chat app, which was originally created as a successor to Gchat and emerged from Google's discontinued social network, Google+, in 2013.


2020. Facebook takes on Zoom with Messenger desktop app on macOS and Windows



Facebook is set to launch a dedicated desktop app for Messenger on macOS and Windows. With the ongoing global pandemic confining millions of people to their homes, the timing of this release is opportune. It comes at a time when videoconferencing applications like Zoom, Skype, and others are in a race to provide the best remote working experience. The standalone Messenger app offers certain clear advantages, such as the ability to have it in its own window and not having to manage multiple browser tabs. While the features of the standalone Messenger app closely resemble the web-based experience, it does provide the convenience of free, unlimited group video calls that sync seamlessly across both mobile and desktop platforms. Furthermore, standalone apps generally deliver faster performance and enhanced responsiveness compared to browser-based apps.


2020. Facebook makes Messenger for iOS faster and lighter



The latest version of Messenger for iOS has been completely rebuilt from scratch, resulting in a smaller download size and more efficient updates. This new version launches much faster than its predecessor, which is particularly beneficial for users who frequently access the app throughout the day. According to Facebook, Messenger now loads twice as quickly as the previous iOS version and is only a quarter of its original size. While some features may be temporarily unavailable due to this redesign, Facebook assures users that it is actively working to reinstate them in the near future.