Facebook Messenger downloads hit 500 million mark on AndroidAugust 19, 2014 - 15:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Facebook Messenger has been downloaded over 500 mln times on Android devices worldwide, according to the Google Play Store. Despite user backlash over Facebook’s controversial policy to force users to install the separate Messenger app to continuing using Facebook chat on a smartphone or tablet, it joins the list of apps that have been downloaded more than 500 million times, The Guardian reports. Currently only Google’s own apps such as Gmail and YouTube, Facebook’s primary app and WhatsApp, which the social network bought in February, and Messenger have been downloaded more than 500m times. No app has yet been downloaded over 1 bn times, despite there being over 1 billion monthly Android users globally as of July, according to data from Google. Facebook Messenger on Android was criticized for the extensive number of permissions it required on install, giving it access to the majority of a smartphone’s features, data and connectivity, prompting privacy invasion fears. The backlash by users prompted the social network to post an explanation of why its Messenger app requires access to audio recordings, photos and videos, phone numbers, read text messages and contacts, out of the 30-plus permissions the app demands on install on Android. Despite user anger over being forced to install the app to continue chatting on Facebook, the Android Facebook Messenger app is faring better with customer reviews than the less than 2-star iPhone app, maintaining 4 stars from just under 8 mln ratings, The Guardian says. Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. |