Facebook working on SMS integration and multiple accounts log-in for Messenger

Facebook is testing out multiple add-on features for Messenger with a view to rolling them out soon. The tech giant is looking to re-integrate SMS as well as provide multiple accounts log-in to its Messenger app.

The new features were first reported by Android Police, which said some users had noticed the new features popping up on their Messenger app. The SMS support feature is currently in the beta testing stages and has so far only been made available to a small group of Android users.

Facebook confirmed that it is working on an SMS integration feature, according to a report by Venture Beat. A Facebook representative said, "At Messenger, we are always trying to create new ways for people to communicate seamlessly with everyone. Right now, we're testing the ability for people to easily bring all their conversations — from SMS and Messenger — to one place.

"It's a really simple way to get, see and respond to all your SMS messages in just one app. By choosing to access your SMS messages in Messenger, they're right alongside all the other enhanced features that Messenger offers."

Facebook Messenger may also incorporate an Instagram-style multiple accounts log-in feature, which would allow users to toggle between multiple accounts via their settings. Instagram rolled out the feature, which was mainly targeted at its more prolific and socially popular users such as celebrities and brands.

Messenger's potential multiple accounts addition may also serve to increase the tech giant's revenue basis by attracting more adverts from leading brands. Reports also hint that Messenger may switch to a blue bar to add a little colour to its current white template and firmly root its association with its giant parent's distinctive "big blue".

The possibility of additional features in Messenger raises the question as to whether similar features may also be incorporated into Facebook's other popular messaging app, WhatsApp. There has been talk among the tech community about incorporating multiple accounts support on WhatsApp, but whether such a feature can be transferred from an account-based system to a phone Sim card format remains to be seen.

Facebook is currently at a beta testing stage with its new Messenger features. The company has made no comment on when roll-out of any of the features can be expected.