Facebook makes video calling in Messenger easier

Facebook is making it slightly easier to make group video calls using its standalone app, Facebook Messenger. The company has introduced a new feature wherein you can add other people in a video call with a few taps, saving time.

Until now, in order to make a group video call users were required to hang up the one-to-one video call, start a new conversation on Messenger by creating a new group with those who you want to video call with and then making a call.
With this new feature, when a user is on a one-to-one video call, all they need to do is to tap the screen and select the “add person” icon. Once done, they can add the person they want to. “It’s as easy as that! And of course, all your favourite filters and effects are still available, too. Plus, after the chat ends, keep the conversation going in the automatically created group chat in your inbox,” said the firm.

Facebook already has made inroads in the Indian messaging app market not just with its Messenger application but Whats App as well. Recently it also introduced Facebook Messenger Kids on Android. The app, designed for children under 13 years old, was made available on the App Store in December 2017.

Designed to be a fun space for kids, the app lets users video call grandparents and use stickers or GIFs to play and make funny faces, exchange birthday wishes and decorated photos with other children — provided that both sets of parents have authorized the connection. The app is also touted as providing children with a way to contact parents, without needing a phone number.

Facebook has designed Messenger Kids to be compliant with important child privacy laws like the US’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Multiple institutions were consulted during the making, such as the National Parent-Teacher Association, the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Connect Safely, Center on Media and Child Health, and Sesame Workshop.