Just imagine a single app where you could go for all your messaging needs. Okay, it doesn’t sound so much convenient than it does unnecessary — but it may be coming. Facebook plans to integrate WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Instagram messages, according to a new report. Doing so will allow users to send messages between the three networks, even if they’re not on all of them.
A report in the New York Times features Facebook chief executive and possible reptilian Mark Zuckerberg on his plans to integrate his services. The NYT article mentions that Facebook plans to rewrite the basic software for all three apps and make them completely interoperable. This would allow a WhatsApp user to send messages to an Instagram user for the first time without switching apps.
In the report, it’s clear that Zuckerberg values the importance of enabling end-to-end encryption on all three apps. Luckily, WhatsApp is already covered on the encryption front, but Facebook’s developers would have to build it into Instagram and Facebook to integrate all messages in a safe, closed environment.
Although the merging of these chat-applications seems likely to drive some users away (considering Facebook’s history with personal data), it makes sense from Facebook’s perspective. Like Apple, they could create a closed ecosystem where users won’t have to travel elsewhere for their messaging needs.
When can we expect Facebook’s internal messaging merger? Sources claim that integration will be done by the end of 2019 or in early 2020. Don’t expect too many social network changes to go along with your fledgling resolutions for this year.
Source: New York Times
