Facebook messenger app has 500 million users

World's largest social networking has declared that Facebook messenger app is now being used by more than 500 million users all around the globe. Users of the separate Messenger app have more than doubled from 200 million in April, the company said. Facebook had faced a backlash after it announced it would be forcing users to download the app to send private messages to friends over the main Facebook service. Users started being pushed to download the app - launched in 2011 - in July. In April, Facebook had told users that they would need to download a separate Facebook messenger app to allow them to send videos, make free calls and chat with friends. But, the tech giant was widely criticised by users that did not like the concept of leaving the Facebook website to another service to send messages. Facebook continued to improve speed and reliability of app. Updates to Messenger ship every two weeks so it continues to evolve and improve indicating that Facebook plans to stick with the app despite the negative feedback. Facebook has been trying to get on the forefront of mobile messaging and this is even visible through the recently finalized deal to buy popular messaging service WhatsApp for about $22bn