New update merges Instagram, Facebook Messenger chats

We've known for a while that Facebook plans to allow cross-messaging among Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. And now, it looks like the integration between Instagram and Messenger is live, at least for some users. The Verge reports that a notification has shown up on iOS and Android devices for some of their editors, letting them know that "There's a New Way to Message on Instagram." It listed a few features, including a "new colourful look for your chats," swipe-to-reply, emoji reactions, and "chat with friends who use Facebook."

If you activate the feature, the regular DM icon changes to the Facebook Messenger logo. Chats appear more colourful, with the sender's messages shifting between blue and purple as you scroll. At the moment, it doesn't seem possible to message Facebook users from Instagram. But with the feature now available, we expect that to arrive soon.

Facebook Messenger offers new privacy controls

The latest update coming to Facebook Messenger introduces new privacy settings that limit who can send you messages. Like a feature offered on Instagram, the messaging app will soon test settings that let you "decide who can message or call you directly, who goes to your requests folder, and who can't message or call you at all." It will also try out automatically blurring photos sent by users who aren't your Facebook friend, which we assume is meant to keep out inappropriate or unwanted images from strangers.

For iOS users, you can now enable Messenger's "app lock" feature, which lets you configure the app to need a face or fingerprint authentication before opening your messages. Android users are expected to get the security feature soon.

Source: Engadget

Facebook Messenger brings screen sharing to mobile

As video conferencing tools become necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies work to add more and more features to their offerings. For its part, Facebook is introducing screen sharing to its iOS and Android apps, allowing you to share whatever it is you want to on your phone. It's available for up eight people on the main app or up to 16 people using Messenger Rooms. Facebook is working to bring screen sharing for up to 50 participants—which is the maximum number of people on a Messenger Rooms call—and allow Room creators to decide if screen share can just be limited to them or be available to all participants. Screen sharing is also available on Messenger Rooms on the web and desktop.

Screen sharing is rolling out globally with the latest versions of Messenger's Android and iOS apps, desktop app, and web version.

Facebook tests Face ID, Touch ID lock for Messenger

Similar to what it already implements on WhatsApp, Facebook is testing the capability to lock the Messenger app on iOS using Face ID or Touch ID authentication. You can opt to require authentication every time the app is opened or after some time without use (ranging from one minute to an hour). Facebook is introducing this biometric authentication feature to help secure users' private messages. It's currently available for a small number of Facebook Messenger users, but the company plans to expand its use in the future. It won't say when, so if you don't have it yet, you're going to have to wait. 

Source: 9to5Mac