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Facebook is testing a big Messenger update that brings SMS integration and multiple account support

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By Mihai A.

Published: Feb 11, 2016, 5:55 PM

Android Apps

Facebook is testing a big Messenger update that brings SMS integration and multiple account support

It looks like Facebook Messenger is getting ready for a pretty big update that brings SMS integration and multiple account support. In what's a novelty coming from Facebook, the two new features are currently being tested on a limited number of Facebook Messenger for Android users.

Seeing that Facebook-owned Instagram recently launched support for multiple accounts, it's not surprising to see the feature being extended to Facebook Messenger. Regular users will now be able to share a device with Messenger installed. However, we can't help but anticipate that the feature is directed more at business use, given that many of those working in communications have to juggle multiple accounts simultaneously.

The other major feature that Facebook is currently testing on Messenger for Android users is SMS integration. The decision comes as a mild surprise: back in 2012, Facebook rolled out SMS integration in the Messenger app, but the company removed the feature in November 2013 quoting low user adoption.

Here's an official comment from Facebook detailing Messenger's refound SMS integration:

Millions of people share phones with their family and friends. Until now, there hasn’t been an easy way for people to access their individual Messenger accounts from shared devices. To address this, we’ve launched a feature on Android to enable multiple people to log in and use Messenger from a single phone.

A series of screenshots captured by Android Police reveals that SMS conversations will be highlighted in a purple hue. Online conversations will maintain Facebook's traditional blue hue.

Both features are currently being tested on an undisclosed number of users in the US. To check for the availability of the SMS integration feature, go to the Messenger settings screen and check for a "Change SMS App" button.

source: Android Police

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Mihai Andrici is a former news writer at PhoneArena. He's produced a large body of content during his PhoneArena run, drawing on years of experience in the field. Mihai's coverage touched on various topics, from Android phones to Apple ecosystem products. In addition, he was quite active in bringing the latest mobile tech deals to PhoneArena readers.