Source: Facebook
What you need to know
- Facebook is rolling out an update to Rooms integration with Messenger.
- Users will be able to create and manage Rooms from the Messenger app on mobile.
- You'll also now be able to customize your background just like Zoom.
Facebook today announced (via Mashable) an overhaul to the Messenger Rooms feature on mobile, including more customization features for users.
The company will now make it easier for people to create and name their Rooms in Messenger. With this update, users will find a new section dedicated to Rooms at the top of their app, replacing the stories creation button. Facebook will also let you schedule a Room from Messenger. Say you want to have a 5 PM Room meet up for an after-work chat, you can create and launch that room for later.
This is coming to mobile from today but will roll out to the desktop over the next couple of months.
Facebook has also added background customization. Just like Zoom, you'll be able to use a custom background so you can pretend to be on the beach, a lively city, or anywhere that's just not your bedroom. It's a feature that's present on Microsoft Teams as well, so it's nice to see it come to Facebook's video chat service as well. This will roll out over the coming weeks.
Facebook is setting Messenger up as its most powerful messaging app. Sure, it has Instagram Direct and WhatsApp as well, but the company is now preparing to leverage Messenger as Instagram's new messaging experience. It may plan to do the same with WhatsApp, given that it was expected to be merging all three into one. Until then, Facebook will continue to build out the Messenger experience with features like this.
Instagram adds video chat that supports up to 50 people, here's how to use it
Snapchat is more popular on Android than on iPhones for the first time ever
Snap's first-quarter financial results show just how popular the Snapchat app has become on Android since it was rebuilt back in 2019.
Samsung’s Galaxy Upcycling at Home is here to help you repurpose old phones
Samsung announced its Galaxy Upcycling at Home program back at CES 2021 as a way to turn your old Galaxy smartphone into an IoT smart home device. The program is finally launching in select countries.
Wraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife review: Playing Clue in the afterlife
Wraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife is a horror game that doesn't rely on jump scares or other cheap methods of scaring players. Instead, it creates a horrifying world of mystery and intrigue that'll keep you sweating as you explore every nook and cranny of Barclay Mansion.
Break a sweat with these great Oculus Quest 2 exercise games and apps
Do you prefer your workouts to challenge your full body? Do you care more about aerobics or muscle training? Do you need a high-speed soundtrack or a high score to motivate you? Or do you want a game first and foremost, with exercise as a happy bonus? Whatever your preferences, we have the best Oculus Quest 2 VR experiences to keep you healthy while staying indoors.