While Facebook Messenger may play second fiddle to chat services such as Google's Gchat, Facebook Messenger has amassed a horde of dedicated users -- not to mention the millions of people that use Facebook every day.
Of course, the software isn't entirely surprising. Facebook Messenger for Windows 7 was recently leaked to the interwebs as a private, unauthorized download. Facebook is fighting fire with fire by releasing an official version of the download which you can get here through a direct download. Facebook Messenger has been available as a mobile app for some time but this is the first (official) release for a Windows desktop.
The Windows app looks almost identical to the chat bar on Facebook.com. Users can permanently dock the chat bar on their home screen or access chat via the Windows system tray.
Users get notifications when friends want to chat. Friend activity is also shown, however clicking on these items will take you to a web browser. The same goes for messages in your Facebook inbox.
The chat bar is meant as a chat client and as such many of Facebook's features are disabled. For example, you can accept pending friend requests but if you want to search for new friends or check profiles you'll need to go to Facebook.com. Facebook says the chat bar is a trial application so expect updates and changes (it is Facebook, after all).
The download currently doesn't support video or voice calling though these features will have to be added if Facebook wants to stay competitive. Does Facebook Messenger have legs? Let us know your thoughts below.
