Messenger is one of Meta's earliest services. It started as the native messaging platform for the social media network Facebook, later splitting off into a separate app. Meta has added multiple features to the service over the years, including video calling among the new features. Now, the company is improving the video calling experience with HD quality, noise reduction, and AI-powered backgrounds.
Messenger users can now set AI-powered backgrounds for video calls
Most major video-calling platforms have the option to change your background. It's a feature that's not only fun but also useful, as it helps hide what's in your room, something that's especially appreciated by those who value their privacy. Artificial intelligence has helped make "fake backgrounds" much better than before, blending more naturally with the subject and the environment.
Now, a little later than the others, Messenger joins the list of apps that support AI-powered backgrounds. You can enable them during a video call from the sidebar. You just need to describe the background you want in a text box, as if you were using an image generation service. Once you get the generated image, you just need to confirm the selection. AI backgrounds for video calls are powered by the same Meta AI that enables image generation in Messenger chats, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Improved audio and video quality
Meta is also enhancing the audio and video quality during video calls on Messenger. First, the platform is now receiving HD video calls so that your meetings look better than ever. You don't need to do anything to enable the feature while using WiFi, as it's set by default. However, you'll need to activate HD video calls while using mobile data from Messenger settings.
Regarding audio quality, Messenger is now receiving noise cancellation settings. The feature seems especially useful if any of the meeting parties are in a noisy environment. Plus, the platform now lets you switch your audio output during video calls.
Other useful new features
The company is bringing part of the traditional calling experience to Messenger video calls, with a twist. The platform is introducing an option to leave an audio or video message for contacts who don't answer a video call. This is similar to the messages you can leave on a voicemail when another party doesn't answer a traditional call. Lastly, iOS users can now use Siri to trigger Messenger voice calls by adding "on Messenger" to the end of the prompt.
Messenger isn't the most popular for video calling, but it's always nice to have these kinds of options available if you need them. Features like this could give it an extra boost in such a competitive market.