Facebook Messenger
Description of App
Text your friends for free. Get Facebook Messenger to instantly reach friends on their smart phones, feature phones or desktop computers. In addition to sending free texts, you can also:
- Chat with a group
- Send voice messages, photos, smileys and other emoji
- Get push notifications
- Know who’s seen your messages
- Include your location
Messenger does all this using your existing data plan.
Version
Free or Paid
Compatibility
Device(s) App Was Tested On
Accessibility Comments
Found that the app is accessible. The interface is not the best but is accessible.
VoiceOver Performance
Button Labeling
Usability
Other Comments
The Facebook Messenger is a great way to text each other for FREE. Those on the iTouch will love this if you have lots of friends on Facebook. My family all use the Facebook and is generally our meeting place to catch up with each other.
The Facebook Messenger not only allow us to only text to each other but also has a nice Thread of your conversations with the people you are talking with or to a group of family. I can now send an audio message to my friends. Plus, if you are in the United States. You can now make Phone Call with this app with out using any Cell Minutes. Works rather well. The quality of the Audio is least to be desired but it does indeed work.
I can see this being popular with those with the iTouch and those like myself where my friends on Facebook have an easy way to reach me. I find the app to be pretty accessible to use. A far cry from the Facebook native app.
Comments
#1 for america users only?
hey I'm from hong kong. and the I tuens store told me that it's for america only.
#2 America only
Hello all.
This app appears to be only available in America. When I clicked on the link for the app in the iTunes store, I was told that it is not available in the UK store but I have the option of changing to the US store. Well what is the point when I live in the UK?
Anyway I am subscribed to this post. So will watch any developments on the app.
Just a little disappointed that was all. But there you go. I hope the app comes to the UK store very soon.
Chat soon.
#3 Viewing Messages
How does one go about viewing messages in this app? I can see the message history and if I click on the person's name it shows me the "details" of the message...but I can't figure out how to view the message itself.
#4 Detail Message
Micheal, that is a great question. Well, on that first page where you see all the messages going on right? Double click on one of those message. This page appears that you can only write back to that person. Really, at the top of that page you will see your name and the person your messages are bing sent to, right? If you want to see their messages in details just couble click on their name on this page. It will now go in to a new page where the messages are in full. Now you should be able to see the entire message without being clipped like on the first page. Hope this works for you. Let me know if you still can't find it. It's not a button nor a link by Voice Over. A flaw in the app by the developer to let you know you can click there. By the way you can double click your name for the same result.
#5 FaceBook Messenger Version 1.7
I've been using FaceBook Messenger version 1.7 and I find it to be accessible for the most part. Almost everything is labeled and the app seems to be very responsive and simple to use. The only big drawback is that when you go to compose a message the contacts aren't labeled. The work around for that is to search for the person you want and choose the top hit. Once you've picked them, their name will appear at the top of the new conversation. So you don't have to guess who you're sending a message to. In terms of existing conversations, everything is labeled nicely. I rarely ever have to compose a new conversation so this issue doesn't bother me too much.
#6 Facebook Messenger updated
Hi, V 1.8 of the Facebook Messenger app was released, and now, it looks totally accessible!! When you go to the compose button, Voice over doesn't see these things as blank anymore, it reads your online friends and such. Its also a bit faster, as well. They fixed the issue with notifications as well. This was tested on my Verizon iPhone 4, IOS 5, firmware version v 5.11
#7 Thanks for the Heads-Up!
Thank you very much for the heads-up...I'll have to download this one again!
#8 How to delete a thread or messages from facebook messenger.
So,I thought this was a little interesting. Its a bit weird, but works!! I also read that you could do this little trick from the facebook Messenger changelog for IOS: To delete messages, this is what you do or to delete a thread of messages with Voice over: 1. go to the message or thread you would like to delete. 2. Long press on thatmessage or thread, and let up off your touch screen then swipe to the left, and right, and when it says confirm deletion from etc, double tap on that icon. All done.
#9 Version 1.8
Yes, indeed. Thanks for the heads up! The new version that came out today is much more accessible! Very easy to use and offers a lot of new things as well!
What's New in Version 1.8
Now with more great ways to stay in touch on the go:
- Quickly switch between multiple conversations with in-app notifications
- Include friends of friends in conversations
- Swipe to delete individual messages from conversations
- See who's available when you start a new conversation
- Share bigger photos, tap for full screen and pinch to zoom
More improvements:
- Faster app loading, navigating and sending
- More-reliable push notifications
- Bug fixes
#10 Version 1.9
Least this works much better than the new Facebook 5.0! ;)
What's New in Version 1.9
New features include:
· Add smileys, hearts and other emoji to messages
Click the person's name at the top of your conversation to view their Facebook Timeline
Seeing who's active lets you and your friends know how soon to expect a reply
Improved "new message" sound
Other bug fixes
#11 Hi, I was wondering if anyone
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a few minner issues when looking at the message. Is there a way to delete the message thread or see friends in alphibetic order?
#12 New Version and Sending Voice Messages
Hey all, I just updated to the latest version of FB Messenger a day ago, not sure of the version. I noticed there is a new feature to send voice messages to your contacts. I was able to get to this feature through the attach file menu when in a message thread with someone, but of course couldn't get it to record. Wouldn't expect Facebook to actually make this feature accessible to the one group of people who could get the most out of it, the blind, so I wanted to see if anyone was able to figure out any kind of work around. Thanks.
#13 It's not available yet.
The reason you can't use it yet is because it's only for Canada for the foreseeable future.
#14 Dumbest App Move Ever
If that is the case and it only works in Canada than I have to say this is the dumbest app move I have ever seen to put a record button in the app when it only works in once country. Facebook should have made a different Canadien App. I was able to record something here in the US but it only sent white noise to the person I sent it to, strange that they would do this, but then again it is Facebook thinking
#15 Patience.
I said foreseeable future, no need to think it was some huge disapointment, they'll roll out new markets when they choose. wow.
#16 Version 2.1.1
Two new big features! Now has the ability to send audio messages along with your texting. Plus, now for those in the United States. You can now make Phone Call to other Facebook Users without using any cell minutes. Really great for those iTouch users!
What's New in Version 2.1
- Send a quick voice message when you have more to say
- Call friends for free right from Messenger*
- Other improvements and bug fixes
What’s New in Version 2.1.1
- Back by popular request: Now you can swipe right to archive a conversation again
- Other improvements and bug fixes
#17 Still Can't Figure It Out
Just gave recording a voice clip to send to a buddy a try. Doesn't seem to work very well. Would love to hear if anyone else figures it out. Thanks
#18 Sending an Audio Recording
Well, I sure like to try and help you. Can you tell me what you are doing?
Let me try this again:
1) On the Main Page of your Messages. Double Tap on the Compose button that can be found in the bottom right.
2)Go ahead and fill in To who you want this message to go to. Flick until you get to the Attach Media button. Now double tap on that.
3) Now on this pag go down most of the way of this page until you find the Record Voice button. Now double tap on this.
4) Now we are ready to record. At the bottom of this page at the Center bottom right above the Home button is the Record M button. Double Tap and Hold. Don't just double tap. You need to double tap and hold. During the process of holding it down. You are now being recorded. Once you lift up on this button. You need to realize there are no tone or any indicator that it is being recording.
5) Now this will now drop you in to the Convversation Thread of the person you are talking with. You should now see your name and the number of seconds of your audio. Follow by the Attch Media button and then the Text field you want to say. Lastly, is the Location button and the Send button. If you want to hear you recording you must double tap where it has your name follow by the number of seconds of your recording. Double tap on that part and it will replay back your recording.
Not sure if this will help or not? Sorry, if I am not being clear. Just be sure to catch my podcast on it tomorrow on it. Maybe this will help?
HTH
#19 Thank You
I guess I really do need to listen to all those step by step podcasts you do Anonymouse, as I wasn't recording correctly as I wasn't holding, thanks so much for the quick directions and all of the work you do. Just installed Status Report and am loving it, although like you said in your podcast might have to turn the Twitter feed off if you ever want to get to the Facebook postings. Thanks again
#20 Glad to hear
Glad to hear that you were able to resolve that issue. It wasn't very clear how it was suppose to be done. Lots of trial and error on my part! ;)
Well, I'm glad at least I know that one person listen to my podcast! :)
Thanks!
#21 Long Time Listener First Time Caller
Don't you just hate when people say that on a radio show. Well, the first part is true of your podcasts. You have such a great of explaining apps, and you, David Woodbridge, and the rest of the AppleVis team have turned me onto so many great apps. Keep up the great work, and figuring out those interesting work arounds.
#22 calling
Okay, the voice clips feature works good, but how do you make phonecalls to users? Thanks!
#23 Calling People
Hello there,
Sure I would be happy to help you out in how to make a Phone Call with the new Facebook Messenger.
1) From the Main Menu double tap the NavBar DiveBarIcon which is at the upper right hand corner of this page
2) Search or Select a Friend from your Favorites. So in my example I will just double tap somebody from my Favorite list.
3) Once you have double tap on one of your friend. There is a ThreadInfo at the top right hand corner of this page. Now double tap on this.
4) Now just keep flicking to the left until you find the Free Call button.
All you need to do is double tap on this button. It will now attempt to make a call to that friend. Be aware that your friend must have the Facebook Messenger on his/her device in order for this work. Otherwise nothing happens and it won't let you make a call.
So your friend just need to answer it. There is an answer button on their end. Once you have connected. In my case I have the iPhone. Place the phone to your ear. You will now be able to talk with your friend. It is very much like an iPhone layout. There is a Speaker button if you flick around a bit. Double tap on this and it will bring you in to the Speaker Mode. Towards the end of the page is also the End Call button.
HTH
#24 Switching from the list of messages to the settings
Hello,
How do you switch from the list of messages to the settings, and come back to the list of messages? To get to the settings, I have to double tap the message friends button, where settings becomes an option. However, once I have done my work in the settings, it gives me the option to message friends, but does not give me the option to get back to messages. What am I missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
#25 Re: Crysania
Hi Crysania. After you press 'Done' in Settings, it takes you back to that 'Message Friends' screen as you said. In the top left of this screen there is a button labelled 'Message Friends'. Tap this to go back to your messages screen. That button should probably just be labelled 'Back' or something. I've noticed that you can't get to it by flicking left or right, you have to explore by touch and find the button in the top left where Back buttons are usually located in apps.
Hope this helps.
#26 Thank you for clarifying. I
Thank you for clarifying. I couldn't find the button before, because you had to explore on the screen, rather than swiping. How do you get to all the rest of the cool stuff, like calling people?
#27 Other cool stuff
Hi, no problem. 1) To send a voice message: Open an existing or new message conversation. In the bottom left of the screen, or swipe left once from the text field, there is a button called "Attach Media". Select this and a menu will come up in the bottom half of the screen. Select "record Voice". Then go to the bottom of the screen and find the "record" button. You need to double-tap and hold on this button to record. When you have finished your message lift your finger. Press "Done". 2) To make a voice call. Press the "Message Friends" button and find the person you want to call, or open an existing conversation. Select the "thread Info" button in the top right of the screen. Flick right a few times from the top and you'll get to a button called "Free Call". Obviously it'll only work if both of you have this feature. It hasn't rolled out everywhere yet. I only got it after jailbreaking as it's not in Ireland yet. Hope this helps.
#28 How to tell who's online?
Hi all, when I use the Mac I use Adium and I can tell who's online through that app using Facebook. However, I am at a lost to determine how this is done with the facebook messenger app for IOS. What I mean is, I can use the IOS app fine. It's just I don't get how one can tell who's actually online for the person using the app to interact with. Might sound like a dum question LOL but help would be nice.
#29 I also want to know how to tell who is online
I would also like to know who is online. I am using a braille sense and once I get past my favorits and go down to more friends I cannot message them. I think that is the onlist because it keeps refreshing but I cannot double tap with the braille display like I usually can.
#30 What's New in Version 2.3.1
If there any improvements to Voiceover or any reasons not to update to this version then please for those who have upgraded, give us a word of warning!
I myself, upgraded to this version from is previous one and for me It became completely unusable in every sense of the word. This is just what happened me though. Please don't feel discourage because I then downgraded again via itunes and my computer and all was well. So I encourage people to test and evaluate and report and tell us your own findings with this latest update.
What's New in Version 2.3.1
What's New in Version 2.3.1
Updates to group conversations
- Name a group right from the top of your conversation
- Get to your group conversations in one tap – just swipe left to see them in your sidebar
- Search for group conversations by name or look them up by friends in the group
- Other improvements and bug fixes
#31 Version 2.31
Hello Daniel,
So far I haven't seen any problems in the latest version of the app. There doesn't appear to be anything in the way of improvements but nor have I seen anything that is now broken either. ;)
The accessibility to appear quite the same as the last release.
HTH