Facebook is reportedly testing the new group voice call feature for its Messenger app. The group voice call feature launched earlier in 2016, with plans to make it available on desktop soon.
Facebook Currently Testing Group Voice Call Feature on Desktop
TechCrunch revealed that Facebook previously allowed a small group of users to test the group voice call feature. A few Facebook users may discover that they have been chosen to test the group voice call feature as well after seeing a phone icon near the top right portion of the message box when they open a group chat. Click the icon to invite family and friends, then try the group voice call feature accordingly.
The group voice call feature has been available on Facebook Messenger apps since April 2016, but the social media network intends to launch it on computers, as well. Skype and other apps are available with the feature, but it will be more convenient to arrange large calls with various contacts on a familiar platform.
The group voice call feature is still in the testing stage, so its full capabilities remain undetermined. Facebook has yet to officially announce its arrival for all desktop users.
Facebook Continues to Develop Its Messaging Services
The new group voice call feature can be a useful alternative to traditional conference calls by riding on the popularity and massive user base of Facebook, adds Hot Hardware. Messaging continues to transform beyond text to take advantage of various social media features.
Chat apps also continue to develop to involve both voice and video for communication. The group voice call feature is another step towards Facebook's goal of providing easy communication for more people, regardless of the device that they are using.
Facebook first introduced audio calling via desktop in 2013, and is still aiming to make VoIP more social. Speculations on Facebook Messenger providing its own group voice call and group video chat features have been circulating for some time. Should the group voice call feature test prove to be successful, it should arrive on desktops very soon.
