Windows Phone, the third largest mobile operating platform in the world, didn’t have a dedicated Facebook Messenger app, but that is about to change as Microsoft has revealed during a press conference in Barcelona, Spain that the app will land on Windows Phone devices within ‘weeks’.
Microsoft’s Joe Belifore talked about company’s plans regarding Windows Phone at the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2014 and one of the talking points was Facebook Messenger. Belifore revealed that they were working with Facebook to implement the messenger on Windows Phone platform and the implementation is good enough for a release.
According to the details provided, Facebook Messenger on Windows Phone will look and feel a lot different than its Android and iOS counterparts. Further, the app won’t come bundled with Facebook app and users will be required to download it separately from Windows Phone Store.
Microsoft also announced 9 new Windows Phone hardware partners including LG, Foxconn, Lenovo, Gionee, Lava, Longcheer, JSR, Karbonn and ZTE. In terms of Windows Phone platform, Microsoft revealed plans to release Windows Phone enterprise pack, increased cellular support, support for dual-SIM, soft keys, and a new hardware partner portal.
Microsoft is dropping the three physical button requirements and will also allow the OS to run off an SD (Secure Digital) card thereby reducing the internal storage requirements. Beyond this, Microsoft also announced support for Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 SoC to target entry level low-cost phones.
