We've had access to virtual meetings and video calls even before the pandemic, but the current health crisis has made nearly everyone use Zoom, Housparty, Skype, and a slew of other chat/video apps. So it isn't really surprising why Facebook decided to throw its hat in -- presenting the new Messenger Rooms, a new feature that allows up to 50 participants to join in a single video call.
So what makes Messenger Rooms different from the competition? Here's what: you don't need to download an app or sign up to Facebook to join a video conference. You merely need to have a link, and you can join the party. However, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did say that using the Messenger app provides "the best experience."
Messenger Rooms has tight integration with Facebook. The room you created can be shared on your feed, event pages, or in groups, allowing people to drop in and out as they please. Room creators can control visibility and make the room private should they want to.
One similarity the feature shares with Zoom is the ability to change backgrounds. But Facebook has turned up a notch by allowing users to set 360-degree backdrops that move as they do. The social media network has also added 14 filters to edit the lighting and make video calls look more interesting.
Another non-surprising move is the changes to WhatsApp, which is now able to accommodate up to eight people in group calls. While that's not as impressive as what Messenger Rooms can handle, it's worth noting that WhatsApp's video calls are end-to-end encrypted. Calls made via messenger don't have this security feature, but Facebook insists that it does not listen to any of its users' calls ever.
Zoom remains popular for work meetings, but Facebook has its own share of audiences that could potentially make Messenger Rooms that go-to platform when it comes to video conferences. The pandemic could continue for who-knows-how-long, so a rise in video conferencing tools should be expected.
Facebook is clearly aware of Zoombombing, so it's made Rooms as secure as it could get. The host can lock the room to block people from joining via URL, and if they kick someone out from a Room, it automatically locks. That ensures that if trolls find your link, they won't be able to crash the party.
Messenger Rooms have already rolled out and should be available in the Facebook app within the coming weeks.
