Meta, previously Facebook, is updating its Messenger app with additional features and shortcuts. The aim is so that users can make their chats more effective while also making them more enjoyable. “Whether you want to notify everyone in a chat of an important announcement, pay a friend back for lunch or express your frustration with a timely “(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻”, Messenger’s new shortcuts will get you there in the shortest number of keystrokes.”, Meta notes.
A very important feature that the company is introducing is the new Slack-like “@everyone” feature that will alert everyone in a chat when there is a new message. The new function is ideal for group reminders, get-togethers, or when you need a speedy response to a time-sensitive question.
However, the company is also bringing a “/silent” feature. There will be no notification of your message in the group chat at all if you type “/silent” before sending a message. As Meta notes, “Sending a message with /silent removes the anxiety of interrupting someone with a non-urgent pop-up notification or disturbing them during their off-hours.”
Meta also promised a new “/pay” shortcut, but for users in America. This will make it easier to send and receive money in one-on-one Messenger chats. The shortcut will be available on iOS and Android. Meta is also planning to create a “/gif” shortcut, which will allow users to search and transmit GIFs in a matter of seconds. Only iOS users will be able to take advantage of this feature. To easily find and send that perfect GIF, Meta says to use the /gif shortcut – simply type /gif and your chosen topic to see your gif options appear.
The company also announced that it would be adding more shortcuts in the near future to make it easier for users to interact with one another within their chats.
The first two shortcuts are available in Messenger now, with the others coming soon.
