(early beta of the functionality, above)

Update: The app is now live on the App Store. A full list of new features is below.

Alongside the Facebook Messenger for iPad app and updated iPhone app with video chat that we revealed earlier this week, we have also been beta testing a new “read receipts” feature. Today, Facebook is apparently rolling out the new feature to its existing iOS Messenger app, which gives you the ability to see when someone received and read your message.

While the update is not live, TechCrunch confirmed with FaceBook’s Peter Deng that the update is coming to the current iOS Facebook Messenger client and Android’s counterpart. According to the report, the feature will appear as “Seen by username” under the message itself, but our build of the app used checkmarks—as seen in the image above.

As noted by TechCrunch, the update will include the name of the location when the message was sent, if the user has enabled location services. It also replaces the three-dot typing indicator with the name of the person typing.

The updated Facebook Messenger iOS app is available here.

What’s New in Version 1.7

Now it’s even easier to reach groups of friends on the go: • Text friends for free (data rates may apply) • Reach friends wherever they are now – on their phone or the web • Know who’s seen your message, and who hasn’t • See where friends are messaging you from

Also includes: • Typing indicator – see when your friend is replying • Bug fixes

  • Revealed: Facebook Messenger for iPad, iPhone app with video chat in the works (9to5mac.com)