Improved video calling in Messenger

Meta has announced that it will add high-definition video calls and noise cancellation to its Messenger app, as well as several others such as artificial intelligence wallpapers to help the app compete with other popular smartphone video calling apps.

HD video calling will be enabled on Wi-Fi by default, but when using mobile data you'll need to turn it on in settings first. You will also find options to adjust the noise cancellation or switch the audio output of the call. Meta says it will also allow users to leave voice or video messages.

Apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and FaceTime have had these features for years, so it's about time Messenger made the feature available as well. AI backgrounds have also been available in Zoom and Google Meet for some time. If you want to try them out in Messenger, all you have to do is tap the effects icon in the call sidebar, describe what you want in the prompt box, and Meta's AI will create the background for you. Meta AI also creates images elsewhere, including in Messenger chats and on the Facebook and Instagram networks.

Meta also added hands-free calling and messaging via Apple's Siri voice assistant. Finally, when you ask Siri to call or send a message, if you say something along the lines of "Using Messenger," she'll do it using the Meta app instead of one of Apple's built-in apps.