3 Things You Didn"t know about Skype, Google Hangouts and Facebook Messenger - http://clapway.com/2016/01/21/3-things-you-didnt-know-about-skype-google-hangouts-and-facebook-messenger/

Google Hangouts, Skype, and Facebook Messenger are all very well known services. However, there may be some features on these services that you did not know about. The following are just three aspects that you might not have known about:

FEATURE 1: FREE OF CHARGE

Now, many people are probably aware that Google Hangouts allows users to talk, and call, users without paying. However, Facebook Messenger also allows you to partake in free video calls. This was an update that Facebook released, and if you did not know about this then now you do! Also, Skype made communication free before many others did. Users can set up a voicemail with their Skype account, for only a few dollars and month, and then it is free for people to reach you with it.

FEATURE 2: THE ABILITY TO MUTE

Let’s face it, sometimes we get the urge to want to mute someone. Not only this but the ability to mute annoying noises with each service is sometimes necessary. Muting a video call in Skype is pretty evident, but Facebook Messenger actually allows users to mute a conversation for up to a full day. Google Hangouts also does something similar, as they allow users to mute notification sounds. The ability to mute can make the overall experience of these services much better.

FEATURE 3: BLOCKING

Many people are simply not aware of the fact that you can block someone in Facebook Messenger and Google Hangouts. When users do this, they prevent the person they are blocking from contacting them in any way. Also, speaking of blocking, Skype has actually seen some industries and countries ban it. Also, network administrators have tread lightly with Skype due to certain aspects. One of those aspects is the security concerns of the software, and the other is the bandwidth problem.

3 Things You Didn"t know about Skype, Google Hangouts and Facebook Messenger

Top Three Reasons Why WhatsApp is Better than Facebook Messenger - http://clapway.com/2016/01/20/top-3-reasons-why-whatsapp-is-better-than-facebook-messenger/

Both WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are competent, and well executed, instant messaging services. However, although Facebook Messenger is indeed good, WhatsApp is simply superior. There are three major reasons why it is, and here they are:

REASON 1: THE TUTORIALS AND TIPS FOR WHATSAPP

No matter how smart someone may be, a new product requires good tutorials and tips for the user. This is exactly what WhatsApp does, and does to perfection. There is no doubt, that any question the user has for this service can be answered with the company’s tutorials. Some of the tutorials, that are included, are: how to lock and protect your WhatsApp data, how to transfer WhatsApp conversations to new devices, etc.

REASON 2: A PROBLEM WITH FACEBOOK MESSENGER

One of the most mind-numbing issues with Facebook Messenger is the fact that users can’t log out within the app itself. Instead, the user has to go to Settings, then to Applications, then to Manage Applications, then open Messenger, and then Clear Data. Why on earth would Facebook make it so difficult to log out? Logging out should always be one of the simplest tasks to achieve with software. However, Facebook Messenger botches it, and the user definitely suffers from it. Also, this service does not allow users to fully disable notifications. This is another ridiculous decision by the company.

REASON 3: ADDING NEW CONTACTS

One of the coolest features of WhatsApp is the way that users can set up new contacts. All the user needs to know is their friend’s phone number, and then the app will automatically add them to their contacts. Overall, this app is simply the most well-run instant messaging service available on the mass market. This app runs more instant messages in one day than any other, and they do it with great fluidity.

Top Three Reasons Why WhatsApp is Better than Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger App for Mac Leaks, Is Microsoft Next? - http://clapway.com/2016/01/11/facebook-messenger-app-for-mac-leaks-is-microsoft-next-123/

New evidence suggests that Facebook might be developing Messenger specifically for OS X. This means Facebook may be designing a platform for both Apple and Microsoft. The rumors have gotten special attention after a specific image was leaked.

Messenger for OS X Picture Leaked

This is truly a rare event. Facebook is notorious for keeping their upcoming updates to themselves, or most of the time, anyway. The way the leak came out is also surprising, as there are few people smart enough to leave their desk unattended with an unreleased application running.

The picture reveals what looks like a Messenger window sans the web browser. Is Facebook finally breaking away from web browsers? This would be a huge jump and a necessary one. Facebook has been trying to figure out ways to break away from Google, as they are competitors, and it could be getting closer. By eliminating the need of a web browser to use Facebook (or, at least, a part of it), it establishes itself as legitimate as Google and Apple. Though its relationship with Apple seems a lot more amicable.

The Leak that Could Put Messenger on Microsoft Windows

The picture is of an employee’s screen, where a Messenger app sits on the dock and opens to Messenger. There is also a top bar, according to reports, that is structured just like Messenger is on browser. It details Recent, Groups, People and Settings. This was obviously a mistake, as it doesn’t look like the social media giant is looking to take this to the world just yet.

New Messenger for OS X and Windows Could Not Happen At All

Since this is a leak, there’s the chance that this desktop app never sees the light of day. It could be an app in testing, something that was designed only for internal use, or something that will get scrapped by tomorrow morning. Facebook was also tinkering with a standalone Windows application, but it was shut down after two years.

Would having a separate platform on Windows and OSX be beneficial? Yes. Is it actually going to happen? Who knows. If push comes to shove, Facebook might try and re-release the Windows platform just to keep presence outside of Google Chrome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiVsDuPa__Q

Facebook Messenger App for Mac Leaks, Is Microsoft Next?

Facebook Messenger And WhatsApp Could Destroy Viber - http://clapway.com/2016/01/08/facebook-messenger-and-whatsapp-could-destroy-viber-123/

Messenger has turned out to be more popular than Viber and Signal combined. Facebook Messenger has just hit the 800 million monthly active user milestone. That means that the platform has gained 100 million more users in seven months. It looks like Facebook is out to make Messenger one of the only apps people will need on their phones.

Facebook Messenger Was the Fastest Growing App in the US in 2015

As of January 2016, Facebook has three apps on the best-selling apps on the iOS app store. Facebook Messenger itself ranks #2, with Facebook-owned Instagram at #3. The actual Facebook app hangs out at spot #5, and the company’s other subsidiary, Whatsapp, sits on #18. WhatsApp recently just hit 900 million monthly active users, so it’s fair to say Facebook is pretty much dominating the messenger app scene. Other apps, like Viber and Signal, have no pull in the West. Not only that, but even apps like WeChat and LINE are under Facebook’s watchful eye, waiting for the moment to strike.

Facebook Messenger Was the Fastest Growing App in the US in 2015

Messenger is growing steadily into more than just a messaging app, too. Facebook is joining hands with Uber so that users can order a cab through the Messenger app, and eventually, they plan to make it so users need only a name to contact their loved ones and acquaintances.

Unlike Apple and Google, Facebook doesn’t have an operating system. This probably explains why, despite arduous efforts, it can’t get ahead of the other two giants. However, Facebook has a lot of pluses on its books. A lot of people spend the majority of their time online on Facebook or one of their subsidiaries. Messenger is its own OS in a way, so eventually, it could come to measure up to the likes of Google and Apple.

When Will Other Platforms Fully Adopt GIF Keyboards?

Facebook Messenger has a lot of perks. It shares GIFs (which Apple’s Messenger supports, but only through a third party app), it can shop online and track receipts and packages. Facebook Messenger can also send money and call an Uber. Some even have access to M like a Zuckerberg version of Siri, and most recently, Facebook has its eyes set on WeChat, a magnanimous Chinese Everything App.

2016 is the Year of M

This year, Facebook looks like it may crush all messaging competition. Viber, Signal and even GChat can’t measure up to the power of Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Mark Zuckerberg has full intentions to make it so that Messenger is the only app you’ll need for online communication.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFXltzx3-As

Facebook Messenger And WhatsApp Could Destroy Viber

New Technology to help Google Hangouts and Messenger beat Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp - http://clapway.com/2015/12/23/new-technology-to-help-google-hangouts-and-messenger-beat-facebook-messenger-and-whatsapp/

Google is officially trying to beat the powerhouses in mobile messaging. The company has announced that they will be implementing artificial intelligence in their messaging service. This AI technology could help Google Hangouts beat the two powerhouses in mobile messaging, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

WHAT GOOGLE HANGOUTS IS

Google Hangouts is a messaging platform that includes video chatting, instant messaging, text messaging, and voice communications. This service can be accessed through Google’s Gmail service. However, it can also be accessed through Android and iOS mobile apps. This allows two or more users to partake in communication. However, the lack of support for multi-chat clients has been heavily criticized in the past.

GOOGLE HANGOUTS TO IMPLEMENT CHATBOT TECHNOLOGY

Google has been working with artificial intelligence more and more so this news is no surprise. Chatbots can be thought of as being a more intelligent search engine. A user could type a query and then this program would search through thousands of sources to try and get you your answer. Also with this technology, users would not have to worry about opening another program.

FACEBOOK MESSENGER AND WHATSAPP ARE SIMILAR

Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are very similar services to Google Hangouts. They are both instant messaging services as well. Facebook Messenger offers both a mobile and desktop version of their service. Users can talk with each other via text and voice communication. WhatsApp is very similar, but it is primarily for smartphones. The services it offers are identical. WhatsApp was actually acquired by Facebook in 2014.

RIGHT NOW, FACEBOOK MESSENGER AND WHATSAPP ARE KILLING GOOGLE HANGOUTS

As of August 2015, Google Hangouts is not even in the same ballpark as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Statistics were provided back in August about the top mobile messenger apps. WhatsApp actually led all services with 800 million monthly users. Facebook Messenger was not far behind, though. They had 700 million active monthly users as of August 2015. This is not even the surprising part, though. The statistics provided showed the top 10 services per monthly users. Google Hangouts was not even in the top 10. They are even behind KakaoTalk with 48 million monthly users.

THIS CHATBOT TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT GOOGLE HANGOUTS NEEDED

As seen by the statistics, Google Hangouts desperately needs a selling point. As of right now, there is no reason to switch to Google Hangouts. However, if this artificial intelligence technology turns out to be as good as it sounds then there might be a reason to switch. Google needed to massively spice up Google Hangouts. The good news is after this they will be ahead of the other messaging services. This does not necessarily mean by downloads, but by the product itself.

NO OFFICIAL DATE ON WHEN THIS WILL COME TO GOOGLE HANGOUTS

Google has not officially stated when they plan to release this new artificial intelligence technology for their messaging service. They have also not said anything on what this service will be called. The only thing we know for sure is that they are making this service. We will have to remain patient until the company officially announces when this service will be available to the public. So for now, we will just have to wait and continue to not have a reason to use Google Hangouts!

Read: Yahoo Expects to Beat Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Skype

New Technology to help Google Hangouts and Messenger beat Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp

For fans of #Google #Hangouts -- you won"t wanna miss this! - http://clapway.com/2015/08/18/google-unveils-a-brand-new-standalone-website-for-hangouts-323/

When it comes to messaging on Android devices, Google offers an impressive amount of ways you can get it done, but it can be overwhelming. There are technically three first-party messaging apps: Messenger, Hangouts, and Voice; plus the myriad of other third-party messaging apps like Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger.

All of that is going to change because Google is now making Hangouts a top level product, and has already launched the app’s very own dedicated website.

Hangouts 4.0

Google has been updating many of Android’s core apps in anticipation of Android Marshmallow, which was confirmed earlier this week. A lot of the changes to Hangouts 4.0 were incredibly welcomed. The app received a sleeker look to it as it was finally updated to support Android 5.0’s material design. That means it’s not only sleeker looking but more touch friendly, and is simpler to navigate all around.

Check out more news from Google here!

Previously, Google’s Messenger app was the go-to for many Android users since it was implemented as a regular SMS replacement app for stock phones. Hangouts was missing some of the simpler features that Messenger already incorporated.

Hangout Features

The inclusion of a standalone website now gives Hangouts a few advantages over its younger brother. Previously users could only use Hangouts through their Gmail, but now users have a beautifully designed website with an intuitive interface. Chats are synced up across all Android, iOS, and any other web-enabled devices, so being connecting is easy.

Voice integration is also a big selling feature, which was already present in previous iterations of Hangouts, but now users are able to use MMS in Voice messages as well.

The standalone site is very simplistic in design. There is a beautiful background image that changes periodically (just like Chromecast), there is a chat bar on the left side along with contacts, phone, and options menu buttons. The main meat of the app simply shows off the gorgeous wallpapers and has three easy buttons that allows users to quickly jump into a phone call, video call, or a quick text message.

Availability

Hangouts 4.0 should now be available to just about everyone at this point. If you don’t already have it then there is probably a notification sitting in your notification panel asking you to update the app. The website can be reached through hangouts.google.com. For users who still want to chat through Gmail, you can do that too! For the time being, Google has no plans to take out the option. So, go check out the new Google Hangouts site and let us know what you think in the comments!

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Google Unveils a Brand New Standalone Website for Hangouts

#Facebook vs. #Twitter on the news front. Who gets your vote as the source for your breaking news? - http://clapway.com/2015/08/12/facebook-to-compete-with-twitter-with-new-breaking-news-app-245/

Facebook has been in the news quite a bit as of late — mostly in regards to testing new ideas like its giant drone that will spread free Wi-Fi over certain parts of the world, or testing out their new storefront. Now, it looks like Facebook is getting ready to compete toe-to-toe with Twitter as the company is looking into developing a news application that functions quite a bit like Twitter.

Not So Fast

It’s definitely true that a lot of people rely on Twitter for announcements and breaking news, but there are a lot of other social features that allows users to interact with each other. The Facebook app that Business Insider reported about is more focused on the business nature. That means users won’t necessarily be interacting with each other, and they won’t be creating content either.

Instead, Business Insider suggests that the app will be a “broadcast-only experience.” Facebook will only be allowing partnered companies to produce content. Users will follow various topics they are interested in and receive instant alerts that are limited to 100 characters — slightly less than Twitter’s 140 limitation.

Facebook Hopes to Clean Up the User Experience

One aspect that Facebook hopes will give it an advantage over Twitter is reliant on how Facebook’s new app, currently in alpha, will curate posts better. Information about the app is still pretty vague, but Facebook is hoping that news won’t dissipate into the social masses as quickly as it happens on Twitter.

Facebook believes that this provides new users with a bad experience since the more people they follow, the faster their Twitter feed moves. Some users may never see a post on Twitter unless the tweet is retweeted by someone else or the original tweeter, but with Facebook’s new app, news will stay relevant for longer.

Facebook Is Trying to Stay Relevant

We’ll know more about Facebook’s new app as the company gets ready to share more details about it. This app is just the latest addition to the company’s rapidly expanding suite of apps that it hopes will help maintain its relevancy moving forward. Facebook also owns Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

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Facebook to Compete With Twitter With New Breaking News App

What do you think about the Facebook Messenger app? - http://clapway.com/2015/06/29/facebook-messenger-and-whatsapp-same-same-but-different-234/

Facebook is now allowing anyone to use Messenger, even if they’re not a part of the 1.44 billion users social network. This is Facebook’s latest step in making the messaging app an independent and self-sustaining product.

MESSENGER NOW JUST LIKE WHATSAPP

Just like for WhatsApp, to sign up to Messenger without a Facebook account, a name, phone number and a photo will be enough. Facebook wrote on the news section of its website that with Messenger, they’ve been dedicated to creating the best messaging experience possible for users.

With this update, more people will be able to enjoy the innumerable features available on the app, regardless of their social media preferences. The option, however, is currently available only in Canada, the United States, Venezuela and Peru.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Now, on Messenger’s initial screen, users will find a “Not on Facebook?” option. Subsequently, one can sign up, without necessarily being a member of the social network. The app will create a friend list based on phone book contacts for users to share photos, videos, enjoy group chats, and make voice and video calls with their network of friends.

COMPETITION ON THE RISE

Facebook already owns photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging app, WhatsApp which has now increasingly similar features to Messenger, such as sending photos, stickers and videos, group chats, voice and video calling.

But the competition is getting fierce. Facebook Messenger must increasingly play the game with other popular messaging services such as WeChat and SnapChat.

Consequently, the company wants to turn Messenger into one of its most vibrant and dynamic components.

The recent strategic move to make Messenger accessible to virtually everyone will help Facebook to make the app available to all new kind of users who will join a ‘global army’ of 700 million people who already use the chat service.

Facebook recently opened its Messenger doors to developers, as well as businesses, allowing them to use the app to handle customers. The company also unveiled a number of new features and objectives for its different apps at its annual meeting. Guess what? The spotlight is increasingly on Messenger.

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It’s not enough to have Facebook’s Messenger app without a full charge. Lepow Poki External Battery Charger could help with that. Check out more tech-related news at Clapway Trends:

 

Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp "Same Same but Different"

Facebook Brings In Games For Its Messenger - http://clapway.com/2015/06/12/facebook-brings-in-games-for-its-messenger-654/

Facebook releases its first ever Messenger game, Doodle Draw.

If you love games, then the Facebook messenger is the most “happening” location for you. Facebook just came up with its first game, Doodle Draw, and it is already creating a buzz among people. In the recent F8 conference where developers came from around the globe, major announcements were made, the most striking being games for the messenger. Facebook announced that the third party developers can now integrate varied features within the messenger application. The most key feature was that the messenger will be able to host games.

 

The Doodle Draw game is engaging and easy to play.

On that note, Facebook launched its first game. It is called Doodle Draw, and you can download it at App Store on Android, IOS, and Google Play Store. Being 4MB, the interactive game will let the users play with their Messenger contacts. All you are required to do is just scribble doodles within the game and share them with your friends in the Messenger contact list. On the other end, the receivers will have to guess the doodle and answer. The more one wins, the more colors can be accessed. The user has a chance to earn in-game currency simply by referring the Doodle game to others.

With the coming of this game, Facebook has gone a step ahead in the gaming arena. As per technology experts, it is expected that Facebook shall make it big with this launch.

 

Facebook crossed its 1 billion mark for its Messenger downloads.

Just a few days ago, Facebook was in the news for its messenger app crossing the 1 billion downloads mark (Google Play) and with the launch of this app, there is more to come. Facebook is consistently working hard to bring more improvements in the app. When the messenger app was launched, it also got lot of criticism. But, the standalone app has turned out to be a game changer and today, many people prefer having communication via messenger. Learn more here.

The messenger application is set to take its users on a new ride with its games. Are you ready to play?

 

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Facebook Brings In Games For Its Messenger