TORONTO – As video calling apps gain in popularity, Facebook is going head-to-head with Skype and FaceTime by introducing video calls to its Messenger service.
Launched in Canada on Monday, Messenger’s video calling feature allows users to have face-to-face conversations on their mobile phones. The calls can be made from one cellphone to another, even if one person is using iOS and the other is using Android, said Facebook on its blog.
Calls can be placed within an existing Messenger conversation, meaning users can switch back and forth from texting to video chats “with just one tap.”
The move is the latest in a series of announcements from Facebook, as the tech giant continues to expand its reach beyond the confines of its ubiquitous social network with a wave of communications tools and features.
READ MORE: Hello? Facebook launches voice-calling app for Android phones
Last week, the company launched ‘Hello,’ a stand-alone voice-calling app for Android devices. On the same day, Facebook-owned WhatsApp introduced voice-calling for iOS devices.
In March, Facebook introduced the ability for U.S. users to send money to each other from within Messenger.
READ MORE: Facebook introduces payments feature for its messenger app
With a file from The Associated Press
Comments