Facebook Inc. has rolled out an extended live video-calling feature that could accommodate as many as 50 people and prevent uninvited guests from dropping in. Previously users could only add 8 people to a group video call but the latest innovation provides ample opportunities for businesses, families and friends to connect in real time.
The new feature is a response to market demand as government enforce lockdown, leading people to staying and working from home, to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The roll out begins on the company’s flagship platform, Facebook Messenger Room. It will be extended to Whatsapp in the coming weeks.
The company said the recent surge in video call and live-streaming led to bringing forward the plan to extend the video calling capacity, According to a blog post released by the firm, “Between WhatsApp and Messenger, more than 700 million accounts participate in calls every day,”
“In many countries, video calling on Messenger and WhatsApp more than doubled, and views of Facebook Live and Instagram Live videos increased significantly in March,” it added.