A year ago when Facebook forced its mobile users to download its standalone Messenger app, they weren’t happy. It’s not the first time the social-media giant made major changes to its core product. It’s actually made them regularly since it first launched in 2004.

Facebook has been working to make it worth their while, though. Earlier this year, the company rolled out a payment service so users could pay their friends quick and easy.

And last week, they made it even more valuable by teaming up with Uber to make it possible to hail a ride-share car without ever leaving the app. The move helps both companies — Facebook, by keeping its Messenger users engaged and Uber, by helping it tap a huge market with potential new users.

“We’re just getting people used to the idea that you can message more than just people on Messenger,” said Seth Rosenberg, Facebook’s product manager. Uber’s rival, Lyft, will join in January. To be sure, this does make Messenger quite a bit more useful than it was previously. Even the payment service, though better than nothing, isn’t impressive enough to keep Messenger users happy.

At this point, both Facebook and Uber have declined to comment whether Uber plans to share revenues from rides booked through the messaging app.

Looking to Asia

There are, however, ways Facebook can find to monetize Messenger. WeChat, a Chinese-based messaging service owned by Tencent Holdings, allows users to buy real and virtual goods through the app, taking a cut from each transaction. It also has a “Moments” feature with ads that seems to work well for the company.

Other Messenger developments

It seems as if Facebook wants to make Messenger a hub for shopping and entertainment, too. For example, it recently opened it up to online retailers like Zulilly and Everlane to let users track their orders through the app.

Other companies, including Hyatt Hotels Group and Pro.com, have started testing it as a channel for customer service.