Facebook brings apps, businesses to Messenger service

Facebook Inc's mobile advertising revenue growth gained momentum in the first three months of the year as the social network sold more ads to users on smartphones and tablets, partially offsetting higher spending which weighed on profits. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic' height='259' alt='Facebook smartphone' width='460' src='http://news.guugll.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/facebook-brings-apps-businesses-to-messenger-service.jpg' />

Facebook has opened up its Messenger service for developers to create apps and for shoppers to communicate directly with retailers.