Messenger and Messenger Kids are getting new updates for the
holiday season, including new AR effects and Soundmojis with a Christmas theme.
One of the AR effects is created in partnership with beauty
influencer Ashley Strong and works when you blink, which releases sparkles and
shiny snowflakes from your eyes. A bunch of new word effects have been added to
Messenger as well. For instance, when you type a holiday wish to send someone,
like Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah, your screen will fill up with emojis
related to the holiday.
New chat themes and word effects have also been introduced
to both Messenger and Instagram DMs. Additionally, the new Soundmojis for Messenger
chats include a loudspeaker icon, and emojis of presents and a Christmas tree.
Another interesting addition is that of the new funds
transfer visuals when exchanging money in the app, which will likely encourage
more funds exchange activities, hence promoting eCommerce.
Looking at Messenger Kids, there is a variety of new holiday
themed options. These include an interactive messaging feature that lets kids “chat
with Santa,” where the messages will be sent to the kids’ parents. This will not
only help parents know what their children want as Christmas presents, but will
also spark some excitement in the kids for the holidays. Other features include
holiday games and themed AR effects.
The new Messenger updates can now be accessed in the latest
versions of the apps.
