Facebook is trialing a program to let some users make voice and video calls on its main app, Reuters reported.
The aim is to make it easier to place calls without using the standalone Messenger app, which was spun off from the main app several years ago. That led to users having to download a separate app to use the messaging service, according to the report.
Facebook has been trying to tie together messaging on its various apps. That first occurred last year between Instagram and Messenger, letting users message and hold video calls on either app without having to have both apps downloaded. There are also plans to eventually integrate WhatsApp into the mix, the report stated.
A Facebook spokesperson said Monday (Aug. 23), per the report, that Messenger should likely still be the main app people use for a messaging, audio and video call experience.
If Facebook integrated WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger, thousands of Facebook workers would have to rework the basic functions of the apps. Founder Mark Zuckerberg has said his intention is to make use of end-to-end encryption with all the apps.
Read more: Zuckerberg Wants To Connect Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp
In his vision, a Facebook user would be able to send a WhatsApp user a message. The idea is to “build the best messaging experiences” one can use.
“We’re working on making more of our messaging products end-to-end encrypted and considering ways to make it easier to reach friends and family across networks,” the company said.
In other Facebook news, investors were warned on an earnings call in July about the possibility of a decline in year-over-year growth, with the economic impact of COVID-19 relief beginning to recede.
See more: Facebook Highlights eCommerce, Metaverse Plans As Pressure On Ad Business Grows
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More