Messenger, Meta’s messaging application, is gaining new features. Among them, the possibility of leaving audio messages when a contact does not respond.
Highly anticipated features. This Wednesday, November 20, Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp) announced a new update for Messenger, the group’s messaging service.
“Around the world, people spend more than 7 billion minutes of calls on Facebook and Messenger every day,” recalls Meta in a press release. “That’s why we’re announcing new messaging calling features. Now calling is easier, more reliable, and more fun.”
Improved audio quality of exchanges
Among the new features, the ability to leave audio or video messages for your contacts when they don’t respond. This digital answering machine can thus be activated via the “record a message” button. Apple has also allowed it since last year on Facetime for video calls.
The digital answering machine on Messenger. © Meta
Another major new feature is that you can now personalize your video calls with wallpapers generated by Meta AI artificial intelligence. To do this, simply click on the effects icon in the sidebar of your next video call and select “Backgrounds”.
It is possible to personalize Messenger calls with AI-generated wallpapers. © Meta
At the same time, call quality improves. The HD video calling option is activated by default for WiFi exchanges. For calls made via mobile data, there is also an option to activate this high definition via the call settings. And, for better audio quality, Meta offers ambient noise cancellation or voice isolation options.
Finally, it is now possible to ask Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, to send a messenger or make a call on Messenger. All without touching the device.
These aren’t the only features rolling out this year. Last April, a major update allowed users to create shared photo albums, send large files or high definition images.
How might Messenger’s new voice/video messaging feature influence communication patterns, potentially blurring the lines between synchronous and asynchronous interactions?
## Interview: Messenger Unveils Exciting New Features
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News, where we delve into the latest technological advancements shaping our world. Today, we’re diving deep into the exciting world of communication with two expert voices discussing the recent updates announced for Meta’s popular messaging platform, Messenger.
Joining us today are **[Guest 1 Name]**, a renowned social media analyst, and **[Guest 2 Name]**, a leading expert in user experience and interface design.
We’ll be exploring the potential impact of these updates, discussing their practical implications, and pondering what these changes mean for the future of online communication.
Let’s begin!
**(Transition Music)**
**Section 1: The Rise of the Digital Answering Machine**
**Host:** Messenger has introduced a feature allowing users to leave voice or video messages when contacts don’t answer their calls. This is reminiscent of traditional answering machines, but in a digital context.
**[Guest 1 Name]**, how do you see this feature impacting the way we communicate? Could this potentially bridge the gap between synchronous and asynchronous communication, offering more flexibility?
**Host:** **[Guest 2 Name]**, from a user experience standpoint, what are your thoughts on this feature? Do you believe it could improve communication flow or lead to potential drawbacks?
**(Transition Music)**
**Section 2: Personalized Video Calls: A Virtual Makeover?**
**Host:** Another exciting update is the integration of AI-generated backgrounds into video calls. Messenger users can now personalize their virtual space during calls.
**[Guest 1 Name]**, what implications does this have for the perceived “realness” of online interactions? Could this potentially lead to a more immersive and personalized communication experience?
**Host:** **[Guest 2 Name]**, from a design perspective, how effective do you think these AI-generated backgrounds are? Will they enhance the user experience or simply be a novelty feature?
**(Transition Music)**
**Section 3: Leveling Up Call Quality: A Convergence of Technology and User Needs**
**Host:** Messenger has also focused on enhancing call quality, introducing high-definition video and noise cancellation features.
**[Guest 1 Name]**, considering the increasing importance of video communication in today’s world, how crucial are these improvements for user satisfaction and adoption?
**Host:** **[Guest 2 Name]**, how do these technological advancements affect the evolution of communication platforms? Do you see this as a trend other platforms will follow, paving the way for even richer communication experiences?
**(Transition Music)**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: The Future of Messenger and Beyond**
**Host:** looking ahead, what are the potential long-term implications of these updates for Messenger and the broader landscape of online communication?
**[Guest 1 Name]**
**[Guest 2 Name]**
**(Outro Music)**
**Host:** Thank you both for providing such insightful perspectives on these exciting developments. It’s clear that Messenger’s latest updates are pushing the boundaries of online communication, presenting both opportunities and challenges for how we connect in the digital age.
Stay tuned to World Today News for continued coverage of the latest technological advancements shaping our world.