This dialog just showed up when I updated to the latest beta build ("short" version 223.0.0.1.215, build #649571860, package version 223.0.649571860-beta):
From what I gather from the provided help article, the "newer version" is really the version distributed via the Microsoft Store, and the "direct" option historically depended on by the Chocolatey package is now only supported for macOS. I suspect Facebook is spinning this as an "upgrade" to phase out the traditional Windows desktop packaging.
Sure enough, the download link has been unlisted from Messenger's download page, and it's now steering Windows users toward the Microsoft Store. While the direct download page still works for the time being, I suspect this will change soon.
Unfortunately, this also leaves me with no path to continue development for the Chocolatey package. As I do not have redistribution rights for Messenger, I am dependent on whatever distribution methods Facebook provides to the public. Chocolatey currently lacks support for managing Microsoft Store applications, and as far as I know, there are no near-term plans to implement this, which will force me to suspend package updates until something changes.
October 22nd has come and gone, but I haven't been locked out yet. Not clear if there's a grace period or if they're having second thoughts. Will keep an eye on the situation for now.
This dialog just showed up when I updated to the latest beta build ("short" version 223.0.0.1.215, build #649571860, package version
223.0.649571860-beta
):From what I gather from the provided help article, the "newer version" is really the version distributed via the Microsoft Store, and the "direct" option historically depended on by the Chocolatey package is now only supported for macOS. I suspect Facebook is spinning this as an "upgrade" to phase out the traditional Windows desktop packaging.
Sure enough, the download link has been unlisted from Messenger's download page, and it's now steering Windows users toward the Microsoft Store. While the direct download page still works for the time being, I suspect this will change soon.
Unfortunately, this also leaves me with no path to continue development for the Chocolatey package. As I do not have redistribution rights for Messenger, I am dependent on whatever distribution methods Facebook provides to the public. Chocolatey currently lacks support for managing Microsoft Store applications, and as far as I know, there are no near-term plans to implement this, which will force me to suspend package updates until something changes.