TechIT and The Verge originally revealed the available download, which you can access here.
The one feature we wish were available would be the viewing and commenting controls that you have when you’re visiting Facebook in-browser. Via Messenger, the ticker won’t actually reveal the items it’s announcing: instead, you’re redirected to the site. Included items like listening in with friends or viewing pictures via the desktop app would be a huge improvement.
But as far as its utilitarian purposes goes, Messenger does well. And it’s also got us waiting for a more fully-fledged desktop Facebook experience.
Update: Facebook apparently wasn’t pleased that someone stole their thunder. This app release wasn’t pushed out by the company so much as it was leaked out into the world. Facebook’s response: officially releasing the application, and updating the company’s support pages. “We encourage readers to learn more about the app in the Facebook Help Center here. They can also find the official download link within the Help Center or at the link here,” said a Facebook spokesperson in a statement to The Verge on Friday.
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