Facebook set to take on Gmail by enabling users to send private messages from the 'status' box on the homepage

Facebook is rumoured to be testing a system that would make it possible to send private messages directly from the status box on the homepage, instead of clicking through to the messaging panel. The plans could see the social networking site launch a cross-platformmessaging service similar to Google Hangouts, which lets Gmail and Google+ members chat to each other across desktops and mobile devices. Facebook's new messaging options, which are expected to be trialled on a small percentage of users later this year, follow the launch of Facebook Chat Heads in April that lets members message friends from any screen withinthe Facebook mobile app. Facebook is rumoured to be testing a system that would make it possible to send private messages directly from the status box on the homepage, instead of clicking through to the messaging page. The plans are expected to be trialled on a small percentage of users later this year WHAT IS GOOGLE HANGOUTS? At Google's I/O conference earlier thismonth, the search engine announced it was rebranding its Hangouts serviceby creating a 'cross-platform messaging system'. The new service lets people send photos, take part in group video calls and send emails using its Hangouts app on Android and iOS, as well as across Gmail and Google+. Google's new Hangouts replaced Google Talk and G+ Messenger. With Google Hangouts users can send photos or emoji to anyone at anytime:whether they're connected to Hangouts, or offline. Users can make video calls with up to 10 friends and add apps and effects tovideo conversations. The existing Facebook messaging options on the desktop version are only accessible by clicking the messageicon or Messages panel.