You won't believe which popular Facebook Messenger feature is disappearing in September!
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Every week, it seems like something in the tech world changes, whether it's an app company introducing a new feature, a rollout of the latest updates, or even the discontinuation of a beloved service.
This week marks the end of an era for Android users. Meta–the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp–recently announced on its support page that it plans to cut the handy SMS messaging feature from its Facebook Messenger app starting September 28, 2023.
This means that those who have their default texting services set to Messenger will have to find a new app for sending SMS.
SMS, which stands for 'Short Messaging Service', is the decades-old industry-standard method of text-based communication. It is used to send messages between pagers, cell phones and other wireless devices long before messaging apps–such as Messenger and WhatsApp–even existed.
Mark Zuckerberg's company has yet to officially comment on why they're cutting out the SMS feature from Messenger. However, rumours suggest September could bring some major changes to the app.
In 2018, Zuckerberg revealed that Meta planned to transition from basic communication to more 'rich communication services' like WhatsApp. It is possible the SMS feature is getting sacrificed to make room for upgrades and a richer messaging experience, or it could even be a victim of company-wide cost-cutting measures as the Facebook CEO announced earlier this year that the company would be 'flattening' its organisation structure in order to be more efficient and 'deploy AI tools to help our engineers be more productive.'
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that this update will cause a ton of inconvenience for those who regularly use the app for texting. If you're an Android Messenger user, take note: come September 28, 2023, you'll have to pick a new default messaging app.
Those affected by the change will be able to keep their message history by switching to the pre-loaded standard messaging app, Android Messages. Image source: Freepik.
Meta said that those affected by the change will be able to keep their SMS messaging history by switching to the pre-loaded standard messaging app, Android Messages.
Understanding the Advantages of SMS in Modern Communication
In the digital era with plenty of options, you might be wondering why anyone would stick to traditional SMS communication…well, there's a charming simplicity to good old SMS technology that modern applications struggle to match.
To start with, SMS service requires no frills–there's no need to have a high-speed internet connection or even a smart device. As long as you have a mobile number and network signal, you can send or receive text messages.
SMS also comes with an air of reliability. Unlike data-dependent applications that may freeze, crash or face downtime, SMS messaging has a reputation for being dependable and steadfast. Moreover, if someone sends you an SMS, you're sure to get it as long as there is a network signal present. There are no worries about accounts being deactivated or sending messages into the void because the recipient isn't checking that specific platform frequently.
Moreover, it's familiar and nostalgic. When it comes to tech trends, they come and go faster than the tide. However, SMS has not only survived but thrived in the same basic format for over 25 years. It's a platform everyone, regardless of age, knows how to use, whether exchanging quick messages with friends and family or receiving news alerts and important notifications.
So, the decision to phase out SMS from Facebook Messenger is not insignificant. For many users, the switch from SMS on Messenger to another application may represent an uncomfortable jump away from a tried-and-tested method of communication. Nonetheless, like many transitions in technology, it's probably something we'll get used to–just remember to give yourself and your loved ones a bit of leeway during this potentially tricky period.
If you know someone who uses Messenger for texting, share this article with them so they would know. You can also encourage them to switch to an alternative messaging app as soon as possible and help away from a potentially confusing situation.
Let us know your thoughts on Meta’s decision in the comment section below!
This week marks the end of an era for Android users. Meta–the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp–recently announced on its support page that it plans to cut the handy SMS messaging feature from its Facebook Messenger app starting September 28, 2023.
This means that those who have their default texting services set to Messenger will have to find a new app for sending SMS.
Starting September 28, 2023, Facebook Messenger will no longer have its SMS messaging feature. Image source: brett_jordan from unsplash.
SMS, which stands for 'Short Messaging Service', is the decades-old industry-standard method of text-based communication. It is used to send messages between pagers, cell phones and other wireless devices long before messaging apps–such as Messenger and WhatsApp–even existed.
Mark Zuckerberg's company has yet to officially comment on why they're cutting out the SMS feature from Messenger. However, rumours suggest September could bring some major changes to the app.
In 2018, Zuckerberg revealed that Meta planned to transition from basic communication to more 'rich communication services' like WhatsApp. It is possible the SMS feature is getting sacrificed to make room for upgrades and a richer messaging experience, or it could even be a victim of company-wide cost-cutting measures as the Facebook CEO announced earlier this year that the company would be 'flattening' its organisation structure in order to be more efficient and 'deploy AI tools to help our engineers be more productive.'
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that this update will cause a ton of inconvenience for those who regularly use the app for texting. If you're an Android Messenger user, take note: come September 28, 2023, you'll have to pick a new default messaging app.
Those affected by the change will be able to keep their message history by switching to the pre-loaded standard messaging app, Android Messages. Image source: Freepik.
Those affected by the change will be able to keep their message history by switching to the pre-loaded standard messaging app, Android Messages. Image source: Freepik.
Meta said that those affected by the change will be able to keep their SMS messaging history by switching to the pre-loaded standard messaging app, Android Messages.
Understanding the Advantages of SMS in Modern Communication
In the digital era with plenty of options, you might be wondering why anyone would stick to traditional SMS communication…well, there's a charming simplicity to good old SMS technology that modern applications struggle to match.
To start with, SMS service requires no frills–there's no need to have a high-speed internet connection or even a smart device. As long as you have a mobile number and network signal, you can send or receive text messages.
SMS also comes with an air of reliability. Unlike data-dependent applications that may freeze, crash or face downtime, SMS messaging has a reputation for being dependable and steadfast. Moreover, if someone sends you an SMS, you're sure to get it as long as there is a network signal present. There are no worries about accounts being deactivated or sending messages into the void because the recipient isn't checking that specific platform frequently.
Moreover, it's familiar and nostalgic. When it comes to tech trends, they come and go faster than the tide. However, SMS has not only survived but thrived in the same basic format for over 25 years. It's a platform everyone, regardless of age, knows how to use, whether exchanging quick messages with friends and family or receiving news alerts and important notifications.
So, the decision to phase out SMS from Facebook Messenger is not insignificant. For many users, the switch from SMS on Messenger to another application may represent an uncomfortable jump away from a tried-and-tested method of communication. Nonetheless, like many transitions in technology, it's probably something we'll get used to–just remember to give yourself and your loved ones a bit of leeway during this potentially tricky period.
If you know someone who uses Messenger for texting, share this article with them so they would know. You can also encourage them to switch to an alternative messaging app as soon as possible and help away from a potentially confusing situation.
Let us know your thoughts on Meta’s decision in the comment section below!
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