Video calling software is currently very popular, for obvious reasons, with Zoom being the main beneficiary. Now Facebook wants more from the video calling market and has introduced a new tool called Messenger Rooms. As Facebook explains in a blog post, Messenger Rooms is not a separate app, but rather a feature that can be launched from within your existing Facebook or Messenger apps. Especially in the battle for eyeballs with Zoom, other people can join a Messenger Rooms chat without a Facebook account, and there is support for up to 50 participants. And you can also play with Zoom-style virtual backgrounds. "Plan parties, have a book club, or just hang out on the couch with friends," Facebook suggests. "You don't have to call someone and hope it's a good time, or check everyone's calendar first."
All about video chat
Facebook says it will soon add Messenger Rooms integration to Instagram, WhatsApp, and the video calling portal, so you can access video chat from any app or device you can find. This follows on from the unified Windows and macOS Messenger app that Facebook launched last month. The social network sees more and more traffic on its different apps and wants to make sure the connection is as simple as possible. In another nod to how much more video chatting we all use these days, Facebook has also reinstated the Live With feature for live streams, where two people can join the same live stream. The feature was removed in November because it didn't add enough "value," according to Facebook at the time. The rollout of Messenger Rooms, which Facebook says will happen in the coming weeks, offers another way to stay in touch with friends and family while we're all closed and separated inside.