New evidence suggests that Facebook might be developing Messenger specifically for OS X. This means Facebook may be designing a platform for both Apple and Microsoft. The rumors have gotten special attention after a specific image was leaked.
Messenger for OS X Picture Leaked
This is truly a rare event. Facebook is notorious for keeping their upcoming updates to themselves, or most of the time, anyway. The way the leak came out is also surprising, as there are few people smart enough to leave their desk unattended with an unreleased application running.
The picture reveals what looks like a Messenger window sans the web browser. Is Facebook finally breaking away from web browsers? This would be a huge jump and a necessary one. Facebook has been trying to figure out ways to break away from Google, as they are competitors, and it could be getting closer. By eliminating the need of a web browser to use Facebook (or, at least, a part of it), it establishes itself as legitimate as Google and Apple. Though its relationship with Apple seems a lot more amicable.
The Leak that Could Put Messenger on Microsoft Windows
The picture is of an employee’s screen, where a Messenger app sits on the dock and opens to Messenger. There is also a top bar, according to reports, that is structured just like Messenger is on browser. It details Recent, Groups, People and Settings. This was obviously a mistake, as it doesn’t look like the social media giant is looking to take this to the world just yet.
New Messenger for OS X and Windows Could Not Happen At All
Since this is a leak, there’s the chance that this desktop app never sees the light of day. It could be an app in testing, something that was designed only for internal use, or something that will get scrapped by tomorrow morning. Facebook was also tinkering with a standalone Windows application, but it was shut down after two years.
Would having a separate platform on Windows and OSX be beneficial? Yes. Is it actually going to happen? Who knows. If push comes to shove, Facebook might try and re-release the Windows platform just to keep presence outside of Google Chrome.
