Software (7992)

Facebook to launch own instant messaging service

Chat without third party apps

17 March 2008 10:48 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Facebook has been testing a new instant messaging service and will be launching it to the public soon, perhaps this week, Techcrunch reports.

The suggestion is that the service will be an "in-house" Facebook tool, built into user's Facebook pages to enable them to live web chat with their Facebook buddies.

The site currently offers instant messaging through third party applications, or widgets, but this would mark another way for Facebookers to chat, as well as email-esque messaging service the site currently provides.

As far as rival social networking sites go, MySpace already offers MySpaceIM, and AOL plans to build their AIM messaging into their newly acquired Bebo social network.

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Software, Websites, Facebook, Instant messaging, Rumours