Meta’s Messenger app getting much needed video call upgrade

The Messenger app from Meta is getting an upgrade. Soon, the Facebook company will improve its quality with HD video calls, as well as introducing background noise suppression.

It plans to turn HD video calls on by default if you’re connected via WiFi, with those using an unlimited or larger data plan able to toggle it on when using mobile data.

Background noise suppression has become a huge deal since remote work took off in 2020. With work meetings now potentially interrupted by errant children or barking dogs, it’s become a vital component in virtual meeting apps.

For example, Nvidia’s Broadcast Studio leverages its graphics cards to assist with detecting background noise. Google and Microsoft also have their noise suppression tech in Meet and Teams.

Messenger will now offer the same tech, as well as voice isolation. It’s not all that the company is bringing either.

For those who use Messenger to call friends frequently, you’ll soon be able to leave a message on the app. This is similar to the recently released feature on iOS 18 devices, where you can use FaceTime to leave a video message if they don’t answer.

iPhone users will also now be able to use Siri to make hands-free calls when needed. You’ll need to add “on Messenger” to the end of the command, or it might make a direct phone call.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a modern app update without AI rearing its head. Meta is increasing its AI push even further, as it’ll now incorporate the tech into its Messenger app. The new feature will bring AI-generated backgrounds, which will act like a green screen.

Users will be able to either choose from a preset or describe an image using Meta’s image generator.

There’s no date specified for the release of these features, with the press release simply stating “soon”.

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