It’s a bit unclear whether today’s release was in Facebook’s original plans, but in announcing the new desktop app (which is available for Windows users too), Facebook noted that “over the past month, we saw more than a 100% increase in people using their desktop browser for audio and video calling on Messenger,” which isn’t surprising as more and more users began remaining home on their laptops and desktop PCs rather than using their iPhone, iPad, or other smartphone or tablet.
To be fair, we knew that Facebook Messenger for Mac was coming soon - a stealth release appeared on the App Store in France earlier this month, along with the App Stores in Australia, Mexico, and Poland, but Facebook made it clear that wasn’t a full launch and declined to offer information on when it would be available in other countries.
It’s been almost a year since we first heard that Facebook Messenger would be coming to the Mac, and now it looks like it’s finally arrived at an ideal time for those who are looking for better ways to stay in touch with friends and family in the midst of social distancing requirements around the world.