Facebook has launched Messenger Rooms to compete with the booming popularity of Zoom in the midst of the pandemic. Facebook Messenger already had video chatting functionality but now it will let you host a video call with up to 50 people through Rooms.
Facebook Messenger originally allowed only a few video call participants and all of them needed to have a Facebook account as well. Now with Messenger Rooms, both of these limitations have been eliminated since it allows up to 50 members and there are no login requirements.
For now, video calls in Messenger Rooms are not protected with end to end encryption since “there are significant challenges” to providing this feature but Facebook is actively working on introducing it soon. However, the data is encrypted between chat members and Facebook servers and the company promises that it does not spy on private video calls.
Messenger Rooms will roll out to “some countries” this week and a global rollout will follow in the coming weeks.
