Facebook Messenger jumped aboard the multiple-account-support bandwagon, and the social network is testing an SMS option for the Android version of the application.
Facebook confirmed to TechCrunch that it added an accounts section to Messenger on Android, enabling users to switch between accounts on the same device, with all of those accounts remaining password-protected. A spokesperson told TechCrunch:
Millions of people share phones with their family and friends. Until now, there hasn't been an easy way for people to access their individual Messenger accounts from shared devices. To address this, we've launched a feature on Android to enable multiple people to log in and use Messenger from a single phone.
And Android Police readers tipped the blog off to a new SMS option in Messenger for Android, allowing users to send and receive text messages via the app.
According to Android Police, users who had enabled the option are prompted to "write an SMS message," and text messages appear in purple bubbles, rather than Messenger's traditional blue bubbles.
TechCrunch reported that the SMS feature is currently being tested with "a small number" of U.S. Android users, adding that SMS would probably not be extended to iOS due to integration complications, and a Facebook spokesperson confirmed the test to TechCrunch, saying:
At Messenger, we are always trying to create new ways for people to communicate seamlessly with everyone. Right now, we're testing the ability for people to easily bring all their conversations-from SMS and Messenger-to one place. It's a really simple way to get, see and respond to all your SMS messages in just one app. By choosing to access your SMS messages in Messenger, they're right alongside all the other enhanced features that Messenger offers.
Readers: What do you think of multiple account support for Messenger and the possible addition of SMS access?
Screenshot of accounts option courtesy of TechCrunch. Screenshot of SMS option courtesy of Android Police.
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