Facebook Messenger apps launched, ready to take on BBM and iMessage

iPhone owners may be holding thier breath for the launch of iOS 5 and with it the iMessage instant messaging service, but Facebook have pipped them to the post with their own IM service, Facebook Messenger.

An Android and iOS app, it works similarly to BlackBerry’s BBM service, a Wi-Fi or 3G messaging service that lets you chat on the go to your Facebook pals, as well as offering location info, archived messages and the ability to group message not ony Facebook pals but mobile contacts too.

“When you’re on the go, coordinating a bunch of people can be tricky, especially if plans change at the last minute,” said Lucy Zhang, Beluga co-founder and Facebook engineer.

“With Messenger, you can quickly start a group conversation and message everyone at once. If you choose to add your location, the people you’re messaging with can easily find each other on the map. You can also attach photos, so everyone else can see and comment on what you’re looking at.”

Launching today, its rumoured to contain code supporting video chat in the future, so keep an eye on the relevant app download stores to get Facebook Messenger on your device later today.

While you wait, click below for some images of the iOS version.