Sony is following Facebook's lead by spinning off messaging from its official PlayStation app into a standalone service, Digital Spy reveals.

PlayStation Messages has just arrived on iOS and Android devices with the sole purpose of making it easier for PSN users to communicate by text.

When you select 'Messaging' in the core PlayStation app, the service now prompts you to open or download the new application.

One benefit of having a standalone Messages app is that it's optimised for all platforms. Messaging on devices such as the iPhone 6S Plus through the core app was fiddly, for instance.

The main PlayStation app for iOS and Android has also been updated, adding a few visual tweaks and the option to follow verified accounts.

PlayStation Messages is available as a free download from Google Play and the App Store.