Facebook had acquired WhatsApp a little over a year ago, but had also mentioned that they shall not merge the two platforms. Facebook said they will keep the two apps running individually. However, a little information has sneaked out about a head start in the two being integrated.
Geektime reported that a new version of Facebook will be released that sees a tiny bit of the integration, for now. According to the report, Facebook will sport a new ‘send’ button, which borrows the look from WhatsApp. This is the first step from Facebook in the integration move with WhatsApp. The new version of the Facebook app is Version 31.0.0.7.13 and the report states that Facebook is presently experimenting with it. The app is not released to all and is not yet available on Google Play Store.
Image and video credit: Geektime
As of now, it is unclear what the send button actually does, but it seems like the function would be to share FB articles and posts on WhatsApp. With Facebook now changing the way posts will be in future (complete articles instead of links only), the social giant seems wanting to make sure that there is more interaction and sharing across platforms. This would not only boost the reach for the posts and messages, it will also tap additional revenue for Facebook.
There are additional rumours about Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp merging somewhere down the line. This is plainly because the two chat and voice calling apps are highly popular in the west and east, respectively.
For now, the rumours are pointing out in different directions and the date when these integrations will be released are not confirmed. However, if these are true, we shall soon see a vast platform of Facebook and WhatsApp merger and competitors would find it tougher to cope up.
Facebook’s move on monetizing with the integration seems to be a call well made to ensure maximum revenue.
Well, Facebook has now opened the gates to allow users to jump into the beta testing group. All one needs to do is join the group and they shall be allowed to then download the new beta version of the Facebook app for Android. The new app will allow you to send / share posts to your WhatsApp contacts, unlike only sending it to your Facebook friends, like before.
So if you want to get the beta version too, do the following:
- Join the Facebook for Android Beta Testers Google group
- Tap Become a Tester in the Google Play Store
- Download Facebook from the Play Store to update your app
- Turn on automatic updates (the beta version of Facebook for Android will be updated multiple times per week)
- Like the Facebook Android Beta Page on Facebook to tell us what you think, and follow the Page to get the latest updates
- You'll remain a beta tester until you leave the beta program.
Note: You need to join the Google group using the same email address that you use on your Play Store account. You can see which email address you've used in the past by opening the Play Store app on your Android and tapping the top-left corner.
For additional information, you can click on this link.
