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Facebook has introduced new Messenger Rooms that can host groups of people on video – including those who do not have an account.
It has rolled out the new service, alongside a host of expanded live video-focused features across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, in an apparent attempt to take on the sudden popularity of Zoom.
Though the person setting up the chat will require a Facebook account, others without one can be invited along, participating on mobile or desktop.
Messenger Rooms will soon hold up to 50 people with no time limit, as well as privacy and safety “top of mind”, the company said.
“We don’t view or listen to your calls, and the person who creates the room controls who can join, who sees the room, and if the room is locked or unlocked to new guests,” explained Stan Chudnovsky, Facebook’s vice president of Messenger. “The room creator must be present in order for the call to begin, and the creator can remove guests at any time.”
The service will also play host to AI-powered immersive 360-degree backgrounds, such as the beach and a luxury apartment on the water.
Facebook’s Live With video feature is also making a return, allowing people streaming a live video to invite another person to participate alongside them.
Zoom emerged as one of the more popular platforms in recent months, though it has been marred by security issues which the company has addressed with an update to the software.