Facebook Messenger gets HD video calls and AI backgrounds
Today Meta has announced a bunch of improvements for its Facebook Messenger. The app (finally) gets HD video calls, as well as background noise suppression and voice isolation "to help you make clearer, higher-quality calls" - a desperately needed feature in our book. The company promises that calls on Messenger will "feel more than ever like being in a room together".
HD will be enabled by default for calls made via Wi-Fi, and you can manually turn it on for mobile data calls. Background noise suppression and voice isolation can both be enabled via call settings.
You can also leave audio or video messages when your friends don't pick up - just tap "record message" for unanswered audio and video calls.
Messenger is additionally getting AI backgrounds in video calls "soon", which will "add a little excitement to your call". To create a background, tap on the effects icon in the sidebar of your next video call.
Finally, on iOS you can now ask Siri to help you make Messenger calls and send messages.