Facebook has announced a new standalone desktop app for group video calls and chat. The app is available now for both Windows and macOS.
Technically, there has been a Messenger app in the Windows store for quite a while but Facebook didn’t seem to update it as often. A macOS version was briefly in testing and not available for US audiences. This new version comes right on time, however, considering many are working from home.
“Now more than ever, people are using technology to stay in touch with the people they care about, even when physically apart. Over the past month, we saw more than a 100% increase in people using their desktop browser for audio and video calling on Messenger. Now with apps for macOS and Windows, the best of Messenger is coming to desktop, including unlimited and free group video calls.”
Companies like Zoom and Slack are also working to make their video chat services more appealing. Zoom has vowed to complete an extensive security review, and yesterday, Slack added Microsoft Teams video call options. Meanwhile, Facebook’s Messenger developers are also working with governments to help spread reliable coronavirus information.
You can download the Messenger desktop app through the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store beginning today.
