Facebook's New Dark Mode For Messenger To Aid User Engagement

Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) finally launched the much-anticipated dark mode for Messenger. To unlock the feature, a user has to send a crescent moon emoji over any messenger chat. The feature is now available to all Messenger users on the latest versions of iOS and Android.

Facebook stated that “Messenger’s dark mode provides lower brightness while maintaining contrast and vibrancy.” Notably, the dark mode is soothing for eyes as the background switches from white to black.

Studies have shown that the blue light emitted from digital devices damages eyes and can lead to blindness. Thus, the black mode will help in reducing the strain on human eye. Moreover, as the new feature uses minimum colors, it consumes less battery.

Facebook followed the likes of Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) and Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) YouTube, which already have the dark mode on their applications for Android and iOS users. The latest feature is expected to boost chat activity and attract more advertisers on the Messenger platform.

New Features to Boost User Engagement

Facebook is leaving no stone unturned to engage more users. The company is adding new features and tools that improve engagement.

In a bid to make the platform simpler and easier, Facebook is reportedly working on voice commands to send messages, initiate calls and create reminders on Messenger.

Recently, Facebook launched a new feature that helps users remove messages sent on Messenger. Within a 10-minute window users can unsend any message delivered through Messenger, whether it was sent to a single person or to a group chat. Notably, Facebook-owned WhatsApp already offers a “delete for everyone” feature.

Privacy Controls to Boost User Confidence

Data privacy has been a major issue plaguing Facebook’s stock in recent times. The company is now taking steps to ensure more security by putting appropriate privacy controls.

Facebook is rolling out a new tool that will help Android users turn off location tracking. Notably, Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS already offers tools that help users allow, partially allow or totally disallow tracking.

Further, Facebook will shut down the Onavo VPN app for Android that was lapping up data shared by teens to support an internal research program.

These initiatives are expected to boost user trust that will eventually drive user activity and engagement across the company’s “Family” of services, which includes Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.

Notably, per Facebook estimates, more than 2.7 billion people now use its “Family” of services on a monthly basis. Moreover, more than 2 billion people use at least one of its services daily, on average.

Facebook currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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