WASHINGTON — Facebook believes mobile users will prefer video calling from within the social network’s Messenger app instead of using Apple’s FaceTime or Skype.
Now, with a couple of taps, mobile phone users on Messenger can make free VOIP video calls over cellular and Wi-Fi connections, even if one person is on iOS and the other is on an Android phone.
By comparison, Apple’s FaceTime requires both users be on iOS. Skype calls work on either operating system.
Facebook’s Stan Chudnovsky says what separates Messenger from the other services is that users can utilize video and text within a single conversation.
“If you’re messaging with someone and realize that words just aren’t enough, you can simply choose the video icon in the top right corner of the screen and start a video call right from within an existing Messenger connection,” said Chudnovsky, in a blog post.
Cameras start in selfie mode, but can easily be switched to the rear camera.
According to TechCrunch, Messenger will adjust the quality of the call according to a user’s connection.
Chudnovsky says the video technology could be used for livestreaming, although he wouldn’t disclose whether Facebook plans to challenge Meerkat and Twitter’s Periscope in livestreaming wars.
Presently, mobile Messenger users can’t video call with desktop users, but Chudnovsky tells TechCrunch that should be patched relatively soon.
See Facebook’s promotional announcement about Messenger’s video calling feature:
