Facebook has introduced several new features in its Messenger app for users in the United States. These updates include new chat themes, a quick reply bar, and expanded payment options, allowing users to send and receive money even if they are not Facebook friends.

New Chat Themes and Quick Reply Bar

Users can now customize their chat backgrounds with new chat themes available in Messenger and Instagram. This feature adds a delightful and fun element to communication with friends, as described by Sateesh Kumar Srinivasan, Director of Messaging Product at Messenger.

The introduction of a quick reply bar in the Messenger media viewer streamlines conversations sparked by photos or videos. Users can easily respond to media content without navigating back to the main chat thread. Simply tap on the media, send a response through the quick reply bar, and swipe up to return to the main chat thread.

Enhanced Payment Options

Facebook has expanded its payment options in Messenger for US users. Now, individuals can send or request money using QR codes and payment links through Facebook Pay, even if they are not connected as friends on Facebook.

This streamlined payment process eliminates the need for a separate payment app. Users can share payment links or allow friends to scan their QR codes to facilitate money transfers conveniently.

Facebook’s efforts to enhance chat functionalities and payment options in Messenger aim to provide users with a seamless and engaging communication experience while offering convenient financial transactions within the app.