Meta is introducing a new ‘Calls’ feature in its Messenger app for iOS and Android users worldwide. The new tab will consolidate all calls you make or receive in the app and make it easier to connect calls with a single tap. Also, for those who don’t utilize the feature on a daily basis, it serves as a clear reminder that users may use the app for audio or video chats in addition to text-based communications.
As part of its attempt to make Messenger a singular experience, Facebook removed messaging from the main Facebook app in 2014, forcing mobile users to download a separate one to continue utilizing the service. In 2015, the video call capability was introduced, followed by cross-app messaging with Instagram and, finally, cross-app group chats. It recently added new shortcuts, such as a @everyone tag to notify everyone in a chat or a /silent switch to send a message that would not trigger notifications to appear for everyone else in the group.
According to Meta, audio and video calls have climbed by 40% since early 2020, with 300 million conversations conducted daily. The Messenger app initially added audio calls in 2013, and this latest addition puts it a step closer to becoming a comprehensive communication hub. There’s lots of competition for apps that let you call friends and family, but the stats indicate that it’s a popular choice for many people.
