14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook has recently announced a slew of new features and tools that will arrive to the Messenger platform on Android and iOS. The new Messenger 2.0 platform comes with M suggestions, chat extensions, and many more.
Facebook has added third-party extensions and a new discovery tab to its Messenger application on all platforms, providing users with added functionality and more features to keep them inside the app and transform Messenger into an application for work as well.
The new changes that Facebook added include an app store for bots, featured in the new Discovery tab. Featured and trending bots, as well as a new search bar, are incorporated in the Discovery section, allowing users to browse Facebook bots and use them.
Chat extensions and M suggestions in Messenger
Another change is chat extensions, which allows developers to include their programs inside Messenger chats. Spotify and OpenTable are two of the services that will be included, allowing users to share songs and reserve tables, without having to exit the Messenger application. Apple Music will also receive an extension to Facebook’s messaging application.
Facebook recently introduced its virtual AI assistant M, and detailed features and tools that would allow users to get various suggestions and actions based on their needs. Now, the company has properly introduced suggestions for M, including for ordering food or accessing the payments service. In addition, M will recognize various tasks and provide more information for concerts and sports games in certain locations.
Moreover, Messenger will offer users the option to scan special Messenger codes and connect them to branded bots. In terms of gaming, Messenger games now support turn-based play, as well as a “Games” tab on the home screen to make it easier to access them.
Facebook also announced features for businesses, including parametric Messenger codes, which will allow businesses to generate multiple Messenger Codes for their bot and see which ones get the most scans. The codes can also activate different bot functionalities and allow people to link their account and control the device.