@nusususuzu I think this sarcasm will definitely be lost on FB. They clearly see copying successful approaches as a strategy more than something to be mocked. Ha!

@nusususuzu I’m in shock that they’re getting away with knocking off SnapChat this much. As a business practice they’re attempting to clone it to the point of no return. I’m no lawyer, but I would assume Snap could sue them for such things for pretty major infringement. I prefer Insta as a product, personally, but still... this is so blatant.

@nusususuzu @brent_burghdorf Well we know why you aren't a lawyer now.

@nusususuzu @brent_burghdorf Just like how all those brands knocked-off and cloned the original pizza.

@nusususuzu @lewis502 The designs and use cases are rip offs - I think there are enough bright minds on the Facebook/Insta side of the fence that could be more creative.

@dimakanbanize Nobody is forcing you to use this. They're not depreciating it from the main app.

@livejamie hm... I'm just going back to the experience we've had with the facebook Messenger - first there was a standalone app with no depreciation, but then they did carve it out from the main app altogether. Is there any official statement on this at all? So far it's only articles on tech sites and the whole thing is call a test. Considering the fact Facebook just rolled out Messenger for Kids too, I would expect them to take Direct the same path soon

@livejamie @dimakanbanize people constantly complain about having separate apps for Facebook and Messenger, but it's much better this way. It's very convenient to open up an app and instantly see the content and tools you are seeking, especially when you want to quickly message someone (versus opening up Facebook and browsing through your feed). Plus from a development perspective it helps guarantee a more consistent, bug-free experience because these massive software projects are totally separate.

@livejamie @shimmb that is a very valid point but the question is do we really need one more messenger? considering both facebook and instagram belong to the same company, I think they do this to win over the audiences who are not reached by facebook and messenger anymore - teens + Direct would make the life of SMM pros a lot easier. Yet, as a person who has to keep 7 different messaging apps on his phone because of the different people I have to stay in touch with, I still am unhappy about the prospects of having to deal with 1 more of them...

@livejamie @dimakanbanize There is no arguing that any of this is necessary. Smartphones are a luxury. The only question is: do people want it, and no amount of protesting is going to convince these companies not to try. If you take a look at the history of Internet-based messaging, I'd say it's pretty clear the competitive market has helped generate objectively better products, and not only that, but a wide variety of products each satisfying the needs of their niches. Granted it is a bit annoying to have to deal with so many different messaging apps and it is quite difficult to get the people you communicate with to consolidate.

@mention @rrhoover great points . If adopted across the masses , I could see this succeeding due to the network effect

@rrhoover i feel like they are attacking Marco Polo more with that, don't they?

@3raxton Why chosen the Uruguayan App Store😂?

Yeah, true. Now Facebook will have 3 different app that does the same thing: WhatsApp, Messenger and Direct.

@nivo0o0 I think now they are doing it only for fun and why not.

@yannschaub I'm in the U.S., and I apparently can't download it.

My app says not available in the US, but available in the Uruguayan store lol

@yannschaub looks like it's not in US yet. When trying to download from App Store it says 'Available in the Uruguayan store"

@yannschaub https://www.theverge.com/2017/12... It's being tested in: Chile, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Uruguay It is relatively easy to change your country on your device (unless you have an iTunes credit balance in your account 😡) https://apple.stackexchange.com/...

@zamorev THIS IS A MUST when introducing a messenger service. I hope this happens @hemal ? were you be able to open this up to advertisers? or messaging services?

@onefreeinternet supposedly it's also available on iOS but it may not have propagated in the App Store yet.

@tristajaye I think it's only in Uraguay its saying :(

@boaticus lol same issue. Did it work for you when changing the store?

is there a special trial or preview link? I'd love to test this out