5 COOL THINGS ABOUT MESSENGER:
GROUP CHATS
Messenger lets you easily add friends to group chats. Although this is also possible using your browser, it's more convenient with the app. Tapping the "groups" icon at the bottom of the screen will take you to existing group chats and let you start new ones. You can add people to group chats at any time, or leave the group.
BOTS
Since April, Facebook has let outside businesses create "chat bots" that can send you the news, help you shop or book plane tickets and hotel rooms. You send a message to a brand's bot just as you would a friend; the difference is that the reply is automated through software. The results can be clumsy, as expected for such a new venture. But bots can be helpful. Expedia, for example, lets you search for hotels and book them by messaging with its bot.
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SEND OR REQUEST MONEY
Using your debit card, you can send money to your Facebook friends using Messenger - as long as they also have their card number attached to their Facebook account. You can also request money. There are no extra fees to send or receive payments, but you must use a debit card - not a credit card.
VIDEO CALLS
Messenger offers another way to do video calls on your phone. It's free over a wi-fi connection. If you use cellular, you might get charged for data by your phone company.
PLAY GAMES
How about some football? Select a friend to play with. Then, select Messenger's emoji keyboard by tapping on the emoji icon on the left side of your message window, right above the keyboard. Tap the soccer ball icon and send it to your friend. Then, tap the ball with your finger and keep tapping it so it stays in the "air".
