Messenger, Facebook’s instant messaging service, turns 10 to connect more than one billion people around the world, through conversations, video calls, stickers, GIFs and audio notes. To celebrate, the platform launches a birthday bundle that includes 10 new features, many of which are starting to roll out today.
But before moving on to the news that come to the platform, we present some interesting Messenger facts throughout this decade:
Poll your friends with the game “Who do you think?”
Messenger wants to put a fun spin on polls with the launch of the Polls Games, where now you can play “Who do you think” and find out what your friends really think on topics like: Who is most likely to give themselves a gift on their birthday? Who is most likely to fight the zombies while all their friends are on the run? Who is most likely to miss their flight? And the best thing is that, in addition to the predefined questions, you can also create your own.
To start a Poll game in your group chats: touch the four points that appear next to the camera in the lower menu (next to where you write the messages), then click on “Polls” and select the option “Who do you think” to select or add the question and choose between the names of the participants you want to include as potential players; by the end. just click on “Send survey” and you’re done.
Birthday greeting tools
Try the new birthday theme for chats and the sticker pack “Messenger is 10!”. Fill the sky with blue and purple balloons with 360 birthday balloons background and blow out birthday candles with augmented reality effect.
You can also send a catchy Soundmoji birthday song and use an effect to add an explosion of confetti to your celebration message or even wrap it with a bow.
When it comes to celebrations, the more people the better! Because, the platform introduces a new way to easily share Facebook contacts with friends via Messenger. Simply select the contact you want to share, go to the chat settings and tap “Share contact” in the “More actions” section.
Bonus! Sneak Peek: personalize your conversations with Word effects
Messenger presents a preview of Word Effects, a new way to combine words with emojis that have meaning for you and your friends. When used in conversation, these words will trigger a cascade of the emoji you have selected.. Now you have the perfect way to highlight inside jokes, revive your memories, and add something extra to your favorite phrases. Word Effects is coming to Messenger in the near future.
Birthday gifts with Facebook Pay
This feature is exclusive for users in the United States, who will be able to receive cash gifts through Messenger. When a friend sends you a cash birthday gift, you will be notified on Messenger and Facebook with a gift wrapped message, accompanied by virtual balloons. Once you confirm your Facebook Pay details, the cash gift will be instantly deposited into your bank account.