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What Do You Think of the New Facebook Messenger App

By Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway California Realty DRE #01492138

August 19, 2014 02:58 AM

What Do You Think of the New Facebook Messenger App

I had been getting a message from Facebook for several weeks to download the 'Messenger App' so this weekend I finally did it.

I immediately disliked it but put up with it for over a week. It is loud and dings when a message comes in. Plus it had the picture of the person sending the message up at the top of my phone. F-i-n-a-l-l-y I figured out how to remove the circle by dragging it down to the bottom and it disappears but the messenger logo stays up at the top left all the time.

This morning I read where many Facebook users were removing it and that is exactlywhat I did. I had never removed an app before so I had to 'GOOGLE' how to.

One complaint has been that they feel that Facebook's Messenger is more invasive as they can go on your site when you are on the computer and it now gives them access to your saved sites, email addresses and telephone numbers. So this free app is a trade-off for the company giving your information to marketing companies who are interested in your saved data, geographical locations, and web site habits.

After reviewing 5 different articles, Facebook defended themselves says they had to draw up the lengthy terms and conditions for Android users but not with their IOS users which might be due to the old rumors that Apple was already tracking their iPad and iPhone users. Is it possible that this might still be the case? Regardless, if you are a Facebook user, you are already bound by their governing rules and terms.

Another option here was if Apple users did not like the new messenger app that they could remove it and the old messenger system would return. I have spoke to many iPhone users who said the old system was gone out of their phone.

So if you do not have the Messenger App, you will not be able to do (IM) instant messages and the only alternative is to post your phone number if you want someone to text you.

By refusing to download or removing the app, you’ll save 35 megabytes of space.

So what are your thoughts on this? Did you download and keep or later get rid of the app?

Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog.......

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Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Gene,

I am sure you are right. I do like my Realtor Pages.

Aug 20, 2014 06:15 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Terry,

I normally like every app I download but just didn't care about this one.

Aug 20, 2014 06:16 AM

Pat & Wayne Harriman

Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499 - Wallingford, CT

Broker/Owners, Wallingford CT Real Estate

We've used it for some time and have no issue with it, except the memory it consumes. I've read several articles for and against it and have to agree with those for it when they say it is no more invasive than the Facebook app itself. In fact, the terms of service for the Messenger app are very similar to many other apps you probably already have on your phone. We don't use it a whole lot, but I think we'll keep it until we get solid proof that it's an ill-advised move. Just our opinion..

Aug 20, 2014 06:25 AM

Jamie R. Bell

Glastonbury, CT
Dawn Brenengen

Raleigh, NC

Sharon Parisi

United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX

Dallas Homes

Kristin, nearly everyone I know has refused to install this app due to the memory issue and the invasive nature of the program. Great idea for a post!

Aug 20, 2014 07:30 AM

Lyn Sims

Schaumburg, IL

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Pat and Wayne,

I have read that too about the other apps and I did put in my post that FB explained the Android phone manufactures required the lengthy terms and conditons that are not necessary with IOS. Future will be the key here.

Aug 20, 2014 07:37 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Sharon,

Yes I think this is the big issues here so hopefully something better will show up soon.

Aug 20, 2014 07:38 AM

Lyn Sims

Schaumburg, IL

Real Estate Broker Retired

Everyone's advice so far is not to use or download it.

Aug 20, 2014 07:57 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Lyn,

Today just now on FB, my old messenger returned. I am so excited so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it stays permanently. I agree with the general consensus too.

Aug 20, 2014 09:21 AM

Christina Sanchez Hood

Palo Alto, CA

#SiliconValleyHOODS | Inspired Living

Kristin, thanks for the great information. I really love reading the comments. I am not sure how I feel about it. I have been on a face-cation this month, lol.

Aug 20, 2014 12:09 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Christina,

I am so excited that they reset my messenger today but who knows how long it will last.

Aug 20, 2014 12:54 PM

Dawn Brenengen

Dawn Brenengen - Trailwood Realty - Raleigh, NC

Sales and Management

I downloaded the app, and I actually like that I can be alerted when a new message pops up. I use it communicate with groups of friends, so it helps me stay in touch. Now, if starts waking me in the middle of the night, I'll delete it. I was annoyed that FB made us all change to the new app, but I'm not particularly concerned with any of the privacy issues everyone seems to be up in arms about.

Aug 21, 2014 01:30 PM

Jamie R. Bell

Bell Realty Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NEP - Glastonbury, CT

Your Central CT Realtor

I feel this is a personal preference. I have the app and set my settings so that I am alerted when a message comes in I'm not obligated to read or do anything with that message and I can read and respond when I want. It was very useful when a now past client & facebook friend decided she was ready to list her home and buy new. She sent me a message I read it and go right back to her. It's all about what works for each individual person, if you don't like get rid of it. Don't forget you can change your settings as to how you are alerted about messages. And of course there is always the do not disturb button on iPhone so you can sleep in peace.

Aug 21, 2014 10:31 PM

Anna Gaylord

San Diego, CA

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Jamie,

This app is certainly a personal choice and I guess all the FB users are split. I just didn't like the dinging in the middle of the night. As far as the personal information being shared, I agree that this probably happens a lot.

Aug 22, 2014 01:39 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Dawn,

My old messanger is again working so I am still getting alerts but the noise is not so disturbing. In the future, I may have to reconsider.

Aug 22, 2014 01:41 AM

Andrea HoffDomin

Florida Dream Homes Realty - Fort Lauderdale, FL

- in Real Estate always on your side!

I am very cautious in using apps and especially from or in facebook. There is a lot of crabby stuff out there. Based on your blog and the comments above I will not use it.

Sunny greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Aug 24, 2014 03:33 AM

Dennis Egan

Grow Mobile Technologies - Fort Myers, FL

That app asks for a few too many permissions for my taste...

Aug 24, 2014 10:47 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Adrea,

The good news here is that I have been getting use of my old messenger for the past week so hopefully it will remain. Thanks and have a beautiful and sunny week.

Aug 25, 2014 12:38 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Dennis,

It might not be any different than other apps but the rumors are enough to make us leery.

Aug 25, 2014 12:40 AM

Anna Gaylord

San Diego, CA

I've been using this messenger app for a while now without any issues. What is your concerns regarding collected data? I bet most of people here are taking advantage of other people's collected data by employing targeted adds.

Aug 25, 2014 09:48 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Anna,

I agree that is is collected many places and probably even in the Apple iPad, iPhones and MacPros all have the tracking chip. I really didn't like the loud dinging sound even when I turned my settings down. Luckily the old messenger is back now so I am contented. Many users like the new messenger and some like me don't.

Aug 25, 2014 11:54 AM