Oct 30, 2013

While one tech giant announced the addition of support for SMS text messages in their product today, another has announced they are dropping the option for their product. Facebook announced today they are dropping support for texting with their Facebook Messenger app on Android. While they are dropping the SMS support, Facebook is set to release an update to the app to give it a fresh look and add some features they hope will encourage users to opt for Messenger when communication needs arise.

One of these changes is a new indicator to let users know when one of their friends is online, uses the Messenger app and is available for messaging. Facebook is also making it possible to contact people using the Messenger app even if you are not friends with them on Facebook. This is achieved by matching the phone numbers associated with your contacts. A new interface is also rolling out as part of the update giving it more of an Android design look.

Facebook indicates the new version will be rolling out to a limited number of users starting today as a kind of soak test with availability expected to expand in the near future. Check out some images of the new version below. If you don’t have the Facebook Messenger app already, use the download link below to grab it.