Microsoft has today announced that Facebook is finally delivering its set of Windows 10 apps to the Windows Store. As promised last year, Facebook are introducing three new apps to the Windows 10 platform; Facebook, Facebook Messenger and Instagram, all built with Windows 10 in mind. Facebook and Facebook Messenger are coming today for desktops and tablets, whereas Instagram is rolling out for mobile.
An announcement on the official Windows Blog says:
Today, we are excited to share that the official Facebook app and Messenger app for Windows 10 PCs and Tablets, and the official Instagram app for Windows 10 mobile are rolling out and will be available soon in the Windows Store. Designed to run quickly and easily within Windows 10 and have the most up-to- date features, Facebook built Windows-only experiences into all three of these apps such as Live Tiles, which lets you quickly see new posts, messages and photos right from your home screen.The new Facebook app for Windows 10 is available today for desktop and is coming soon for mobile, and makes keeping up with friends faster than ever; With live tile support, reactions, stickers, notifications and even an in-app browser so you never have to leave the Facebook app. The app has also been designed to look similar to the website, meaning users will be familiar with the experience from the get-go.
Facebook Messenger is only available for desktop, and is packing a whole set of new features such as photo sharing, stickers, group conversations, and GIFs (finally!) Again, Microsoft highlights the new live tile, keeping you up to date with ongoing conversations happening straight from your Start Menu.
Finally, the new Instagram app for Windows 10 is only available for phones, and features a whole set of new features bringing it up-to-par with the iOS and Android versions. Direct Messaging, Search/Explore, Videos and Account Switching are all here and present with today’s new update. There is also live tile support, again keeping you up to date with the latest on-goings from within the world of Instagram.
Microsoft says these apps are rolling out via the Windows Store now, and should be available within the next few hours. Unfortunately, the Facebook Messenger app doesn’t appear to be coming to mobile today, leaving phone users with the old Windows Phone 8.1 app. Microsoft tells WinBeta that a Messenger app for Windows 10 Mobile will be arriving at a later date.