Messenger video calls will look and sound better – and add AI backgrounds

Meta has it announced that it adds HD video calling and noise cancellation to the Messenger app, as well as several other features such as AI backgrounds that lend a hand it match other popular video calling apps for smartphones.

HD video calling is turned on by default on Wi-Fi, but you can turn it on for calls using your cellular data plan in the “Call Settings” menu. You’ll also find options here to adjust noise cancellation or toggle the call’s audio output. Meta claims to give users the ability to leave voice and video messages.

Apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and FaceTime already have these features, and in some cases have for years. The same goes for AI-generated backgrounds, at least for Zoom and Meet. To try them out in Messenger, tap the effects icon in the call sidebar, describe what you want in the suggestion box, and Meta AI will generate a background for you. Meta is implementing AI image generation in other places, including Messenger chats and on Facebook and Instagram.

Finally, Meta has added hands-free calling and messaging functionality via Apple’s Siri voice assistant. At the end, if you say something like “using Messenger” when you ask Siri to make a call or send a text, and it should do so through the Meta app, not one of Apple’s built-in apps.