Meta, a company previously known as Facebook, has it all.
Besides having Facebook as the largest of them all, Meta also has Instagram, considered the largest photo- and video-sharing video platform. It also has Threads, which is a text-based conversation app linked to Instagram, originally meant to rival Twitter. It also has its own virtual reality and augmented reality division, and more.
On the messaging side, it has WhatsApp, a straightforward messaging app.
And, it also has Messenger, a more complex and sophisticated messaging platform.
This time, the company is giving Messenger a little AI treatment, as well as improvements to make experience a notch better.
In the announcement, Meta said that:
"That’s why today, we’re announcing new Messenger Calling features, many of which are some of our most requested. Now, calling is easier, more reliable and more fun."
First of, is a way to personalize Messenger chat themes with AI-generated images created by Meta AI.
Building on top of this feature, Meta said that users should soon be able to use AI-generated images for Messenger video calls as well.
To do this, users can tap on the effects icon in the sidebar of their next video call and select “Backgrounds.”
Next, up, is HD video calls, background noise suppression and voice isolation.
Collectively, a clearer, higher-quality calls should translate to a better video calling experience.
According to Meta, the HD video calls feature is enabled by default for video calls made on Wi-Fi. For users using cellular data, this feature is turned off by default to preserve users' mobile data usage. To enable it, users can do so on the call settings, to then turn on the 'Mobile data for HD video.'
As for background noise suppression and voice isolation, these can be enabled via call settings in Messenger.
After that, Meta also improves Messenger by giving users the ability to leave audio or video voice messages when the recipients didn't pick up their message.
To do this, users can tap on the 'Record message' button to leave an audio message for unanswered audio calls or a video message for unanswered video calls.
And lastly, Meta is also giving users the ability to use Messenger for a hands-free calling and messaging.
To do this, Meta updates Messenger to be able to integrate with Apple's Siri.
"When your hands are full or your phone is out of reach, you can now ask Siri to help you make your calls and messages wherever you are. Try something like: 'Hey Siri, send a message to Cassandra on Messenger' and then dictate what that message will be," explained Meta.
