Today Meta announced a number of improvements to its Facebook Messenger. The app (finally) gets HD video calling, as well as background noise cancellation and voice isolation “to help you have clearer, higher-quality conversations” – a much-needed feature in our book. The company promises that Messenger calls will “feel like you’re in a room together more than ever.”
HD is enabled by default for Wi-Fi calls, and you can manually enable it for mobile data calls. Background noise cancellation and voice isolation can both be enabled through call settings.
You can also leave audio or video messages if your friends don’t answer. Just tap “record message” for unanswered audio and video calls.
Messenger will also “soon” get AI backgrounds in video calls, which will “add a little excitement to your conversation.” To create a wallpaper, tap 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.