Meta has announced that it is adding HD video calling and noise reduction to its Messenger app, along with several other features such as an AI background image to help bring it up to par with other popular video calling apps on smartphones.
HD video calling is enabled by default over Wi-Fi, but you can enable it for calls using your mobile data plan in the Call settings menu. You will also find options to adjust the noise reduction or switch the audio output of your call. Meta claims to provide users with the ability to leave voice and video messages.
Apps such as Google Meet, Zoom, and FaceTime already have these features, and in some cases have for years. The same goes for AI-generated background images, at least in Zoom and Meet. To try them out in Messenger, tap the effects icon in the call sidebar, describe what you want in the prompt box, and Meta AI will generate a background for you. Meta is rolling out AI image generation to other apps as well, including Messenger chats, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
Finally, Meta has added hands-free calling and messaging via Apple’s Siri voice assistant. If you say something like “using Messenger” at the end when you ask Siri to make a call or send a message, it will do so using the Meta app, not one of Apple’s built-in apps.
