Facebook Has Messenger Rooms Alternative Places To Gather Online

Facebook Messenger Rooms (dok. Facebook)

JAKARTA - The Facebook social media platform has a new feature that allows its users to video call many people at the same time. This video conferencing service is called Messenger Rooms, and is ready to challenge Zoom, Google Meet or Skype.

Quoted from The Verge, actually the video call or video conference feature is being widely used following the COVID-19 pandemic in various countries. Where people use these services to work, study or just meet virtual gatherings.

"Our video calls are multiplying, and when we look at group calling usage, it goes higher. So we found a way to build things up faster," said Head of Messenger, Stan Chudnovsky, Sunday, April 26.

Facebook Messenger Rooms (doc. Facebook)

The Facebook Messenger Rooms service offers users to conduct video conferencing with as many as 50 participants in one call. Like similar applications, Facebook users use this service for free when making online video calls.

In Messenger Rooms, users can use AR (augmented reality) filters. So that the chat room background display becomes more interactive, including 360-degree background options and 3D effects.

Interestingly, the Messenger Rooms service can be integrated via Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, both the application and the portal version. So that participants can join even if they don't have a Facebook account.

As creators or Host Messenger Rooms, Facebook also gives you the freedom to organize participants in chat rooms. Including locking chat rooms and getting rid of participants who are considered annoying. Given the Zoombombing action that often interferes with meetings in the Zoom application.

Today, we shared a new way to feel directly connected with someone over video - and announced new product updates across @messenger @facebookapp @instagram @whatsapp @facebookgaming and @portalfacebook (🧵) pic.twitter.com/EeVoJMysC6

- Facebook (@Facebook) April 24, 2020

Regarding security, Messenger Rooms uses the same technology to encrypt video and audio conversations between users. "All services will use end-to-end encryption across all messaging services," Chudnovsky added.

Apart from releasing Rooms, Facebook Live also received a feature update, namely Live With. This feature is similar to the one already on Instagram, where users can invite other users to broadcast live together.

Don't forget WhatsApp and Instagram also get feature updates. In its official blog, WhatsApp can add the number of group calls up to eight people simultaneously. Where previously, the maximum number of WhatsApp Call participants was only four people.

Today, we shared a new way to feel directly connected with someone over video - and announced new product updates across @messenger @facebookapp @instagram @whatsapp @facebookgaming and @portalfacebook (🧵) pic.twitter.com/EeVoJMysC6

- Facebook (@Facebook) April 24, 2020

As for Instagram, users can upload live broadcasts on IGTV or Instagram Story after they have finished holding Live Streaming. This means that the live video is not lost and can be watched not only in 24 hours.