
Facebook did a strange thing today: they released a mobile application separate from their main app. They've never done this before. But it's genius. And it's yet another long-term thorn in the side of SMS. Facebook Messenger is
a stand-alone app for iOS and Android. It essentially merges the
Beluga product that Facebook acquired in February with their revamped Messages product. Now it makes sense why Facebook wanted to make it clear that the Beluga deal was for both talent
and technology (Facebook almost always does just talent acquisition deals). Shortly after the deal, Jason Kincaid and I talked about the ramifications of the acquisition
on our OMG/JK show for TechCrunch TV (video below). We were both in agreement that while it would be out-of-character for Facebook to do so, they absolutely should release a new stand-alone messaging app. The reason? Speed and simplicity are key in the space. The Messages product inside of the current Facebook apps offered neither.
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Brian Henton Johnny Herbert Al Herman Hans Herrmann François Hesnault Hans Heyer