Are you too busy to constantly check Facebook? Recently, the company announced a new desktop app for Windows 7, called Facebook Messenger, that enables you to keep in touch with friends without ever visiting the website.
"Millions of people log into Facebook every day to keep up with friends,” the company said in a blog post. “They also browse other websites and run computer programs, so it’s easy to miss important stuff."
Now, you can keep your web browser dedicated to your work, research or other important activities (or YouTube videos). After downloading the app from Facebook.com, you will immediately see a ticker, which is nearly identical to (if not as annoying as) the ticker Facebook's site that shows your friends’ activities. Facebook Messenger also features the notification bar, so you can still receive friend, message and activity alerts -— just like on the Web. With the Windows Messenger app, you can also chat with Facebook buddies.
Facebook says it's working on a version for Macs, too. But it won't say when the app will arrive.
Kelly Clay is a freelance writer based in Seattle. She can be found on Twitter at @kellyhclay, at www.kellyhclay.com, and usually with a cup of coffee in hand.
