Facebook Launches Cross-Platform Messaging On Instagram and Messenger

Facebook is now allowing select users use Instagram to chat with friends on Facebook Messenger and vise-versa. Instagram's direct messages system is also being expanded with features taken from Messenger. The Verge reports: New Instagram messaging tools include vanishing messages, selfie stickers, custom emoji, chat colors, new ways to block unwanted messages, and the introduction of Messenger's Watch Together feature, which lets you watch videos with friends during a video call. Users will be able to reject the update if they choose, but Facebook will no doubt be betting that access to new features will encourage them to say yes. In addition to cross-platform messaging, users on Instagram and Messenger can also search for profiles across both apps simultaneously. Users can opt out of these features if they wish. According to CNN, the [cross-platform messaging feature] is currently being "tested in select markets and will expand globally in the coming months."

Facebook/Twitter enables the mob!

[GodWasAnAlien]

New slogan

So innovative

[brunch]

If only protocols already existed to communicate securely outside a walled garden...

Didn't Facebook just split off Messenger?

[Hentes]

Looks like they are stuck in the sandbox cycle [xkcd.com].

Vanishing act?!

[UnixUnix]

Related to vanishing messages, consider various sites' policy on message history (DMs). Some maintain it in all cases; in others the history disappears if the other side blocks you. The latter unfortunately facilitates those who send insulting or threatening messages and are then able to erase the evidence. [Not to mention losing nudies and dialogue upon a breakup :) ]

The Big Bad Wolf

[Hydrian]

All the better to correlate your data, my dear...