Facebook adds video calling to Messenger in US and parts of Europe

28 Apr 2015

Facebook adds video calling to its Messenger app

Facebook has revealed a new iOS and Android update for Messenger that includes the ability to video chat with friends.

Video calling in Messenger is available for calls made from a mobile phone to another mobile phone, even if one person is on iOS and the other person is on an Android device.

The feature will be coming to 18 markets worldwide including Ireland, the UK, France, Greece, Mexico, Portugal and the US, with more to follow in the coming months.

Messenger already allows users to make voice calls to friends and the update will expand Messenger’s capabilities.

Spreading the Messenger

Facebook Video Call on Messenger

Facebook Video Call on Messenger

Messenger is already used by more than 600m people worldwide every month. Last month Facebook launched a standalone Facebook launches standalone web destination for Messenger for Messenger.

“Now you can have face-to-face conversations with your friends and the people you care about, via Messenger,” explained Stan Chudnovsky, head of product for Messenger.

“You can quickly start a video call from any conversation with just one tap. If you’re messaging with someone and realise that words just aren’t enough, you can simply choose the video icon in the top right corner of the screen and start a video call right from within an existing Messenger conversation.”

Facebook Video Call on Messenger 2

Facebook Video Call on Messenger 2

Smartphone user image from Shutterstock at top via Shutterstock

 

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com