Facebook takes purpose at Zoom with video chat upgrade

On Friday, Facebook revealed a fresh video chat service with virtual "rooms" where individuals can pop in to visit friends, aiming at users turning to the popular Zoom platform during the pandemic outbreak.

However, via the Facebook Messenger application, users can make video calls with as many as 50 friends joining and will still last as long as they wish, even if they don't have Facebook accounts, Facebook said.

Well, unlike work video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, "Messenger Rooms" is customized for socializing with family and friends whether it be birthdays, parent groups, book clubs or happy hours.

"This is designed to be more serendipitous and spontaneous," Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said while briefing AFP on Rooms.

"I just keep a window open on my computer or phone and people who I normally wouldn't go out of my way to call just sort of drop by."

"I feel like we are missing that in our lives right now," he added.

However, the launch comes amid surging use of Zoom, which was tailored as a business video platform, and other online chat services to help individuals connect during the lockdowns period.

Facebook users will be able to create virtual rooms and decide who to invite to join, according to Zuckerberg.

"I could be hanging out on a couch on the weekend and send out an invite to all my friends to come to a 'hanging-out-on-the-couch room,'" Zuckerberg said.

Furthermore, fun features include augmented-reality effects such as aliens and immersive fake backgrounds alongside with bunny ears.

Outsiders allowed

Well, in an unusual step, individuals don't really need Facebook accounts or apps to visit Messenger Rooms.

"People can just send a link to their grandmother or whomever," Zuckerberg said.

"You can tap on the link from anywhere and if you don't have the app it will open in your browser."

And Facebook built in defenses to prevent unwanted guests from entering virtual rooms.

"We have the advantage of establishing a secure perimeter," Zuckerberg said.

"There are tools to kick people out easily; lock rooms, or close them if things are going badly."

As stated by the Messenger vice president Stan Chudnovsky, Facebook does not also view or listen to calls, and people who create rooms control who gets in.

Messenger Rooms was expected to be available to Facebook's nearly 2.5 billion users around the work in coming weeks.

Use of video calls and conferencing has rocketed as people work, learn, and socialize remotely while staying home to avoid the coronavirus.

Many people have turned to videoconferencing platform Zoom, which has scrambled  to harden defenses and stem security problems such as data hacking and harassment by individuals who crash sessions in what is referred to as "Zoombombing."

Video "presence" services from Facebook, Google, Microsoft and other technology firms have been ramping up capabilities and features to be the preferred platform.

"Through this period people are relying on social and communication services more than ever," Zuckerberg said.

WhatsApp upgrade

Facebook plans to add ways to create "rooms" from its Instagram and WhatsApp messaging platforms as well as using its Portal smart screens.

Facebook is also doubling the number of people who can simultaneously take part in WhatsApp group video calls to eight.

Increasing video chat group size at WhatsApp is more technically challenging because calls are encrypted end-to-end, according to Zuckerberg.

"Being able to expand the size of groups on those calls is a big deal, so I am excited about that," he said.

In a more intimate direction, Facebook's dating service will add an option to invite people on virtual dates using Messenger video chat.

Facebook also expanded live streaming features at the social network and Instagram as people increasingly go online for cooking lessons, religious services, exercise classes, and more.