Rather than trying to build all the functionality users could want into chat threads itself, Facebook will launch a platform for building bots and interactive experiences on Messenger.
Platforms supporting micro apps range from interactive Slack and Facebook Messenger bots to Google's interactive answer boxes, such as weather and flights.
Facebook has given some developers access to an unannounced Chat SDK that allows them to build interactive experiences and "bots" in Messenger for shopping, booking travel, and more, sources with direct knowledge of the SDK confirm.
However, the ability to quickly load interactive micro apps directly into messengers and even search results is quickly gaining traction.
Recent studies have shown that thyroid regulation occurs via a complex interactive network mediated through several different messenger systems.
Quartz, meanwhile, launched a standalone app that feels like a mobile messenger, and delivers stories in an interactive, chat-like format.
The new features of Messenger 6 include custom window backgrounds and interactive games like checkers; iChat AV is dedicated solely to communication.
[Update 1/6 10:25am PST: Assist appears to be one of the bots built on the Messenger Chat SDK. It claims that it offers interactive bot functionality on Messenger.
However, with Messenger adopting the platform approach and offering a more interactive experience, WhatsApp can be its antithesis and focus on basic communication.
This map shows the varying food security levels across South Sudan - it's part of a larger interactive, multimedia piece South Sudan - a man made catastrophe by Messengers of Humanity.
