Facebook's internal instant messenger isn't so internal now: it's a stand-alone app platform that will operate in conjunction with the social network, and developers of every flavor can integrate their apps with Messenger. Naturally the first apps to take advantage of this come from Facebook itself: new apps include Selfied, Shout, Sound Clips, and Strobe, and the older Stickered app has been updated, all with the "for Messenger" label.

They're simple little tools or toys that add a bit of fun to Messenger. Let's have a quick look:

Selfied

This one is pretty self-explanatory. (Sorry.) In addition to injecting standard self-portraits into your Messenger conversations, Selfied will allow you to take multiple shots and assign them to various "moods." It basically replaces emoticons with your face.

Shout!

This app is apparently designed to let you easily make your own version of annoying YouTube video blogger thumbnails. Take a photo of yourself (or anything, I suppose) and put big, bold, capital Impact letters on top of it. Then send it to someone when simply using ALL CAPS isn't irritating enough.

Sound Clips

Want to turn your conversations into reenactments of your local Zoo Crew morning radio talk show? Now you can. Select from dozens of categorized pre-recorded sound clips, and whoever you're talking to will hear them blasted out of their speakers. And so will everyone around them. Perfect for instant messaging in class, meetings, and religious gatherings!

Strobe

Strobe is a GIF creator. It creates GIFs from your photos, then sends them to your friends. Kooky video effects are included. Was this a necessary addition to Facebook Messenger? Someone thought that it was.

Stickered

Stickered isn't new, but now it is also "for Messenger." It lets you stick a bunch of clip art onto your photos, Game Boy Camera-style, then send them to people.

The app was not found in the store. :-( Go to store Google websearch

Whelp, these are truly worthwhile additions to text-based communication. At least they're all free. You can download them for use with the stand-alone Messenger app, if you really must.