Facebook unveils a standalone Mobile Messenger app

US: Facebook has finally rolled out a web browser version of its standalone Messenger app.

Like the Messenger mobile app, the web platform is completely separate from the rest of the site and has the same basic look. The social network claims it will not force the new service on its users like it did with the mobile application.

Facebook was on the receiving end and subject to numerous criticisms when it first split its messaging function into a separate application late last year.

Users complained then that the company was forcing them into downloading the new app which seemed quite unprofessional.

In their defence, the social media network argued that they had to do so to ensure their customers enjoyed great service in the long term.

This time though, the social media site says it has no plans of dividing the base Facebook web platform in two. This means that users will still have the option of messaging with Facebook's regular chat option or with the new standalone web service.

The web Messenger is an additional option that is free of the distractions of the rest of the Facebook site.

The new platform is part of a series of features and updates aimed at transforming Messenger into a platform with more use than just chatting with friends.

A few months ago, Facebook launched a peer-to-peer payment service which would allow users to send money between friends as easily as sharing photos.