Facebook is launching a messaging app to rival the BBM instant messaging service available on Blackberry phones and elements of Google+.
The app will allow groups of friends or contacts (think Google+ circles) to be able to message one another from an iPhone or Android phone. Messages will then be saved and appear in your Facebook inbox.
According to a post on the Facebook blog:
Messenger is a separate app, so it only takes one click to get to your messages or send a new one. Messages are delivered through notifications and texts, so your friends are more likely to get them right away.
The Messenger app is an extension of Facebook messages, so all your conversations are in one place, including your texts, chats, emails and messages. Whether you’re on your phone or on the web, you can see the full history of all your messages.
Messenger will be available for both iPhone and Android starting today. Just search for “Facebook Messenger” in your phone’s app store, or get a link to the app texted to your phone.