Apps like Zoom and Houseparty have gained popularity during the lockdown, creating strong competition with popular messaging apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. In response to Zoom and Houseparty, Facebook, wanting to win back its users, introduced a new video conferencingcalled Messenger Rooms that allows for group video calls of up to 50 people.
Messenger Rooms allows users to create public or private video chats, which can accommodate up to 50 people, with no time limit. Facebook also offers various virtual backgrounds for chats , as well as Facebook augmented reality filters. People who do not have their own account can also join video calls in Messenger Rooms, with a link. However, one drawback of Messenger Rooms is that video calls are not protected by end-to-end encryption. However, Facebook claims that the level of security is much better than that of Zoom.
How can you use Messenger Rooms?
First of all, it should be clarified that this feature may not be available in a user's region at the moment, but it will definitely be available within a week. To use Facebook Messenger Rooms, follow these steps:
- Open the Messenger app on your desktop or smartphone.
- You press the Create Room button next to the settings on the app's home screen.
- You set Room activity and privacy settings according to your preferences.
- You share the invitation link with the people you want to add to your Room.
- Once all participants have entered the Room, you can talk to them for unlimited time, without additional charges.
Facebook also has plans to create a Room directly from Instagram and WhatsApp.
Other updates from Facebook
In addition to the video calling feature that Messenger Rooms will give users, Facebook announced a series of feature updates to the WhatsApp and Instagram apps:
WhatsApp video calling upgrade: WhatsApp video calling capacity is increasing from 4 participants to 8 participants at a time. This is how Facebook is preparing WhatsApp to compete with HouseParty.
Instagram Live Features: Facebook is also introducing new features for Facebook and Instagram live. A feature called “Live With That” will allow users to invite other people to their live stream on Instagram. Users will also be able to post their live stream to IGTV and their stories. A donation button will be available on the live stream, which can be used to raise money for the needy. The most impressive feature is that now users will be able to watch a live stream on their desktop.
Can Messenger Rooms compete with Zoom and Houseparty?
During the lockdown brought about by the Coronavirus, most people are working from home or simply relaxing at home with other activities. Both Zoom and Houseparty gained popularity because they provided features that were not available on Facebook and WhatsApp. Zoom has about 300 million users so far, many of whom have faced and reported numerous security issues with the app. Finally, HouseParty has emerged as one of the most downloaded apps on the Google Play Store, recording over 50 million downloads every month. Now, with Messenger Rooms, Facebook will try to compete with the likes of Zoom and HouseParty and retain its audience. With all these new features combined with a large number of users, it is very possible that Facebook will surpass these apps in popularity.
