Facebook Messenger Enhances Communication with HD Calls, AI Backgrounds, and Siri Integration

Facebook Messenger updates: Audio and video messages, integration with Siri, HD video, and much more - Softonic

Facebook has launched a new update for Messenger that substantially changes how we use this communication platform. With the arrival of audio and video messages, integration with Siri, support for HD video calls and a touch of artificial intelligence, we are looking at a very interesting improvement of the app. Now, Facebook Messenger allows us to leave audio or video messages when our calls are not answered. A feature that has been available on FaceTime for some time, and that opens the door to a new form of communication on the Facebook platform. This type of messages are really useful in many situations, especially because they add a more personal touch to our interactions. Being able to leave a video message, for example, allows us to convey emotions in a much closer way than a simple written message. Another major innovation in this update is the integration of Messenger with Siri. Now, with a simple "Hey Siri," we can send messages or make calls from Messenger without needing to touch our iPhone. Just as we could already do with WhatsApp, also owned by Facebook, or with Telegram, to name a couple of examples, now it's enough to ask Siri to send a message or make a call on Messenger and the assistant will take care of everything. We can say "Hey Siri, call X on Messenger" and Siri will make the connection automatically. Meta has also significantly improved the quality of video calls in Messenger. From this update, HD calls are enabled by default when we are connected to a Wi-Fi network, and we can manually enable them for mobile connections from the settings, if our data plan allows it. Along with HD, two other key features arrive: noise cancellation and voice isolation, which eliminate background sounds so that our voice is clear and crisp. This is especially useful in noisy environments, particularly in outdoor calls with wind. Finally, Meta has announced that it will add AI-generated backgrounds to further personalize our video calls. We will find them by tapping the effects button and entering Backgrounds. From fantastic landscapes to settings suitable for professional calls, these options allow us to create the exact background we need to give a unique touch to our video calls. The new version of Messenger represents a significant leap in terms of functionality and convenience. Being able to leave audio and video messages, integrate the app with Siri, and enjoy HD video calls with customized options is a step forward in keeping up with communication trends. Although Messenger still has a way to go to match some features of Apple's ecosystem as well as third-party apps -- or even its own WhatsApp -- , this update shows that Facebook continues to strongly commit to improving its platform. Remembering that we can now edit messages, this is good news for making communication even more fun and easy, no matter where we are.

Facebook Messenger gets HD video calls, AI backgrounds, Hands-free calling on iOS and more

Meta has announced several new features for Facebook Messenger Calling, designed to make calls "easier, more reliable, and more fun." The company highlighted that many of these updates are driven by user requests. Meta is building on its September announcement of personalized chat themes with new AI-generated images from Meta AI. Soon, Messenger users will be able to add personalized AI backgrounds to their video calls. This feature allows users to reflect their mood or add some excitement during their calls. To create an AI background, tap the effects icon in the video call sidebar and select "Backgrounds." Messenger is also introducing HD video calls, along with background noise suppression and voice isolation, to enhance call quality. These features aim to make digital conversations feel more natural, as if you're in the same room. HD video calls will be enabled by default when connected to Wi-Fi. For cellular data usage, users can activate HD by adjusting their call settings. Noise suppression and voice isolation can also be enabled through Messenger's call settings. Users can now leave audio or video messages if the recipient doesn't answer. Simply tap the "Record message" button to leave an audio message for missed calls or a video message for missed video calls. For hands-free convenience, users can now ask Siri to make calls or send messages on Messenger. For example, simply saying, "Hey Siri, send a message to Cassandra on Messenger," allows you to dictate and send a message without touching your phone. Meta has confirmed that these new features will be available soon, with a roll-out expected in the coming weeks.

Facebook Messenger Gains Siri Integration, Audio and Video Voice Messages and More

Facebook today announced several updates for its Messenger platform, introducing Siri call integration, new AI features, support for HD video calls, and audio and video voice messages. iPhone users can now ask Siri to make a call or send a message through the Messenger app. "Hey Siri, send a message to [person] on Messenger" will now work for hands-free calls. This is a feature that Apple has offered for some time, but Messenger did not support it until now. Facebook is also adding audio and video voice messages, mirroring a FaceTime feature that Apple introduced with iOS 17. Messenger users can leave audio or voice messages when a Messenger call isn't picked up. Messenger now supports HD video calls, background noise suppression, and voice isolation for clearer call quality when using Messenger. HD is enabled by default for calls made on Wi-Fi, and it can be added for cellular calls as well in the Messenger settings. In the near future, Messenger will support AI backgrounds in Messenger video calls. Creating a personalized AI background can be done by tapping on the effects icon in the sidebar of a video call and choosing the "Backgrounds" option. More information about the new Messenger announcements can be found on Facebook's website.

Meta is trying to make Messenger into a video conferencing contender

There's also a deeper integration with iOS that enables Siri support Meta has unveiled plans to turn Messenger into a more capable video conferencing solution as it looks to keep up with other advanced work-based alternatives. Key to the enhancements are a series of upgrades designed to improve the video calling experience, and unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence makes a guest appearance. The new features is designed to grow the over seven billion minutes of Facebook and Messenger calls that the company already hosts every single day. Adding to existing Meta AI features within the Messenger app, users will soon be able to use AI-generated backgrounds to personalize video calls. Users can 'Describe an image' and pick from a selection of examples. More important to those spending a lot of time conversing online, Meta is adding HD support for video calls together with background noise suppression and voice isolation. Wi-Fi connections will enable HD calls automatically, and users can choose whether to continue using HD quality over mobile data. Audio and video voice messages now allow users to leave messages for contacts who don't answer, much like a traditional voicemail. The social media platform likened the new feature to a "fully outfitted phone, plus some extra features," but the feature comes a year after Apple introduced similar functionality to FaceTime. In an era of constant investigations into anticompetitive business practices, the final feature is a welcome move that will see iPhone users make the most out of the app. Messenger now integrates with Siri, so users can ask the voice assistant to "send a message to" a contact and then dictate the content of the message. The company proudly boasted the new feature rollout was the result of feedback from users, and that Messenger would become "easier, more reliable and more fun."

Facebook Messenger is Getting HD Video Calls and More

Facebook Messenger is one of the most used apps for calls, and it's a particularly good way to reach relatives and old friends. Now, the call experience is getting much better. Messenger has rolled out a suite of new features aimed at improving the voice call and video call experience. These updates include AI-powered backgrounds, HD video calls, noise suppression, and hands-free calling with Siri. These updates follow previous improvements such as the addition of HD media sending. The new AI backgrounds, generated by Meta AI, allow users to personalize their video calls with unique visuals that reflect their mood or add a touch of fun. This feature builds on the previously introduced AI-generated chat themes. To enhance call quality, Messenger now offers HD video calls and background noise suppression. High-definition video calls will be enabled by default on WiFi, with an option to enable it for cellular data. Additionally, users can enable background noise suppression and voice isolation in call settings for clearer conversations. Another notable addition we have here is the ability to leave audio or video messages when a call goes unanswered. This feature provides a convenient way to connect with friends even when they're unavailable. For added convenience, Messenger now supports hands-free calling and messaging with Siri. Users can ask Siri to send messages or make calls, making it easier to use Messenger while multitasking or when the phone is out of reach. With Facebook being one of the oldest social media services still in use, the platform is used by a lot of older relatives, and Facebook Messenger is the first choice of many people to reach out to them over other apps like Instagram or even regular calls. Because of this, it's great to see the app's call experience being constantly improved upon. Some of this is extremely gimmicky, like the AI backgrounds, but the HD calls might come in handy. Source: Meta

Messenger gets HD video calls, AI backgrounds, and more

Meta is introducing new features for Messenger, its messaging app, including AI-powered noise suppression. Messenger is getting HD video calls and voice isolation, both of which can be enabled via the call settings menu. HD calls are now the default for calls placed over Wi-Fi, Meta says, and an option for calls over cellular. Messenger also now lets you leave audio or video voice messages when contacts aren't available, like a digital voicemail. When someone doesn't answer a call, you can tap the new "Record message" button to send an audio or video recording. There's new Siri integration. On iOS, you can ask Siri to help make calls and messages by asking something like "Hey Siri, send a message to Cassandra on Messenger" and then dictating what that message will be. Lastly, Meta launched AI backgrounds for video calls, which it previewed earlier in the year. Soon, Meta says, you'll be able to create AI-generated backgrounds by tapping the "effects" icon in the sidebar during Messenger video calls and selecting "Backgrounds."

Messenger Gets HD Video Calls, AI-Powered Backgrounds and These Features

Users leverage use Meta AI to generate backgrounds using prompts Meta Platforms has introduced new features for Messenger which aim to improve the experience during audio and video calls. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), users will be able to take advantage of custom backgrounds during Messenger video calls for better expressivity. It also brings HD video calls to the app, in addition to other updates such as background noise suppression, voice isolation, and voicemail-like features. Notably, this update builds upon recent additions to the platform, including AI-generated themes which rolled out in September. In a blog post, Meta detailed the new features arriving on Messenger. It introduces HD video calls, enabling users to make higher-quality calls. The option will be turned on by default when making calls over Wi-Fi, while it can be toggled for use over cellular data. Meta also brings voice isolation and background noise cancellation to improve voice clarity and reduce the environmental sound. Both features can be enabled via call settings in Messenger. Another big highlight is the addition of AI-powered backgrounds. The feature leverages Meta AI -- the company's AI assistant -- to generate backgrounds based on text descriptions. It is available via the effects icon in video calls by tapping the Backgrounds option. Messenger is also getting voicemail-like functionality. The company says users will be able to leave audio or video voice messages when the recipients don't pick up the call. The feature works via the Record message option which appears once the call is declared as unanswered. As per Meta, iPhone users will soon be able to take advantage of hands-free calling. They can ask Siri, Apple's voice assistant, to make calls on their behalf using voice prompts. Further, they can also dictate messages they wish to send via Siri. This development comes a month after the company introduced a new Memories feature for Messenger. With this, users will be able to take a glimpse at photos from their past chats which can be viewed and shared with their community.

Meta's Messenger app is an AI powerhouse now

Meta has introduced several upgrades to its Messenger app, including HD video calling, noise suppression, and AI-generated backgrounds. These features aim to improve user experience in video and audio calls, aligning Messenger more closely with competitors like Google Meet, Zoom, and FaceTime. The HD video calling feature is now enabled by default on Wi-Fi connections. Users can also activate it for cellular data calls through the "Call settings" menu. In addition, the new noise suppression and voice isolation features enhance call clarity by minimizing background sounds. Meta emphasizes that these updates are intended to deliver clearer and higher-quality calls directly from Messenger. Further enriching the video calling experience, Meta has incorporated AI-generated backgrounds. Users can tap the effects icon during calls to describe their desired background, allowing for a customizable visual environment. Whether opting for a cheerful birthday cake or an alien landscape, the AI generates backgrounds based on user prompts. This mirrors features that have been present in rival video conferencing apps for years. Meta faces €800 million fine for market abuse in Europe In a bid to facilitate communication, Meta has also introduced the ability to leave voice or video messages. This allows users to send audio or video recordings if a call is not answered, extending beyond traditional text messaging. To leave a message, users simply tap the "record message" button on their screen. Additionally, Meta has optimized Messenger for hands-free calling. iPhone users can now utilize Siri to make calls and send messages using Messenger. By invoking Siri and specifying "using Messenger," users can streamline their communication without needing to interact directly with the app.

Meta just Announced a Handful of New Updates for Messenger - Phandroid

Meta's penchant for continuously tinkering and introducing updates to both its Facebook and Messenger platforms knows no bounds, and the company recently announced new updates for its widely-used messaging platform. First up, users will soon be able to use custom AI backgrounds during Messenger video calls, which can be easily accessed within the Backgrounds menu. Messenger will also support HD video calls, in addition to background noise suppression and voice isolation for better-looking (and better-sounding) video calls. HD will be enabled by default for video calls over WiFi, although users will need to toggle "Mobile data for HD video" in order to use HD quality for mobile data. Meanwhile, Background noise suppression and voice isolation can be enabled via call settings in the Messenger app. The app will also allow users to save recorded messages for unanswered audio calls, or video for unanswered video calls. For iPhone users, Siri will be able to follow voice commands in order to send messages. For example, a user can prompt the voice assistant with "Hey Siri, send a message to Cassandra on Messenger" and then dictate their respective message.

Messenger adds Siri voice control, AI video backgrounds, voicemail

There's a pretty cool update for Messenger out today. Meta has introduced phone and video calling voicemail, similar to FaceTime. The Facebook calling service is also adding AI video backgrounds and integrating Siri. Apple introduced the highly requested FaceTime video message feature last year, and Meta is joining the party with Messenger today. Voicemail for unanswered calls is actually new for both video and audio calls. One feature still missing from both FaceTime and Messenger is custom answering machine-style messages for when you're unavailable. Other telephony features include voice isolation and background noise suppression. Messenger is also integrating with Siri in a big way. Meta explains: 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. Pretty rad if you're a frequent Messenger caller. And it wouldn't be a service update without a hint of AI baked in, right? Meta is turning on the ability to create AI-generated backgrounds that can be used during video calls. While FaceTime recently added custom backgrounds, we'll have to wait for Apple Intelligence and Image Playground integration.

Meta's latest features for Messenger Calling include AI backgrounds

Now you can add AI backgrounds, make HD video calls and leave video and audio messages. If you're one of the people out there making calls with Meta's Messenger app, its latest update adds a bunch of new features for making video and audio calls, according to . When you make a video call, you can add an AI-generated background to your screen by tapping on the effects icon in the sidebar and selecting "Backgrounds." So instead of showing your friends and family your grungy apartment or your car that you haven't cleaned out since you bought it, you can replace the background with a field of sunflowers or an alien landscape as one of its suns is setting. That's something we've seen from basically every other video calling platform, so it's not a big surprise to see Meta add it here. Meta also added some new features for video calls including high definition video, background noise suppression and voice isolation "to help you make clearer, higher-quality calls directly from Messenger," according to the blog. The HD video feature will be the default mode for Messenger calls made over W-iFi connections. HD calls can also be made on cellular data in settings by turning on "Mobile data for HD video." Background noise suppression and voice isolation can also be turned on and off in Messenger's call settings section. You can also leave voice and video messages for your contacts beyond just a line of text and maybe a cheeky emoji or two. Simply tap the "record message" button on the lower right side of the screen to leave a video or audio message if the person you are contacting doesn't pick up the call. Finally, if you don't have a free hand but need to make a call, iPhone users can ask Siri to make calls and messages for them on Meta's Messenger app. Simply activate Siri and say "Hey Siri, send a message to [contact name] on Messenger" and dictate the message you want to send them.

Messenger video calls will look and sound better -- and add AI backgrounds

Apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and FaceTime have all had these features already, and for many years in some cases. The same goes for AI-generated backgrounds, at least for Zoom and Meet. To try them inside Messenger, tap the effects icon in a call's sidebar, describe what you want in a prompt box, and Meta AI will generate a background for you. Meta has been rolling out AI image generation elsewhere, including in Messenger chats and on Facebook and Instagram.