The desktop version of Facebook Messenger for Windows 10 got a long-awaited update, now allowing users to place voice and video calls from the app.
The update finally enables users to go beyond the basic Facebook Messenger features of chatting and sending stickers. Now, Facebook Messenger for Windows 10 works like the Android and iOS apps — or at least close.
A new phone icon should now appear in the top right corner of a chat screen and if the person you'd like to reach is active, you will be able to call them. Before this update, Windows users had to access the Facebook website or the Messenger website on their Windows device in order to make a voice or video call. This is easier and more convenient.
VentureBeat reports that Facebook has started rolling out voice and video calling for the standalone Facebook Messenger Windows 10 app last week, so it shouldn't be long before all users can access the new features.
When you initiate a call via the desktop Facebook Messenger app, for some reason you'll see a notification that "calls use Wi-Fi or your data plan." PCs running Windows 10 don't generally have a data plan like phones do, so the notification is a bit odd.
It's a great update nonetheless and although overdue, it should see plenty of takers. Here's how it works.
When someone is trying to call you via Facebook Messenger, you'll get a native desktop notification. If you're calling someone and they're not taking the call, you'll be able to leave a voice message. However, unlike with the Android and iOS apps, the Facebook Messenger desktop app doesn't allow you to set a reminder or send a message when receiving a call.
Once you're in a call, you'll be able to select which camera you want to use, as well as choose whether you want to mute your microphone, enable video capture or hang up. The familiar graphic with green bars to denote the quality of your network connection is also in the mix.
Just like with the Android and iOS apps, the Facebook Messenger desktop app for Windows 10 will also ask you to rate the quality of each call as soon as you hang up. You can choose to skip the rating or, if you decide to slap a poor score, Facebook will ask you to choose from a list of issues to help it determine what was wrong with your call.
Lastly, the Facebook Messenger desktop app for Windows 10 supports group voice calls, but doesn't work for group video calls, at least not yet. Overall, the calling features seem to be working well, with no hiccups so far.
If you've already received the update and given it a try, drop by our comment section below and tell us how it worked out. If you've yet to get it, hang tight because it should roll out momentarily.
