Facebook testing Windows desktop client for chat and ticker feed

Facebook begun letting a limited group of users to download and try out a new Facebook Messenger for Windows 7 desktop client, Slashgear.com reported.

Apparently, the new desktop client provides access to Facebook Chat, the Ticker feed, and update notifications.

The social networking company seems trying to gauge user interest in desktop client access to these real-time features that could keep users engaged all day without the need of having to keep a browser window open for the Facebook website itself.

TechCrunch has confirmed the client’s limited beta launch with Facebook, and has stated that the fraction of the entire Facebook user base chosen to participate randomly to join the test group are being prompted via a homepage notification on Facebook itself.

There is also “no public download link, and the client is only compatible with Windows 7, though it was developed entirely by Facebook and does not constitute a new partnership with Microsoft.”

Facebook is working on getting more users using its Chat service, as this summer it pushed out its standalone Messenger app for the iOS, Android, and BlackBerry platforms.

Combining Chat and the Ticket feed into once service is a first for Facebook, and by doing that, the social networking company can potentially get users “on its communication system that produces huge volumes of sustained attention, and then get them frequently returning to the site by clicking through Ticker and notification links”.