Typically, when Facebook is in the news, it's because another round of changes to its privacy policy has caused an outcry to develop among people concerned over their personal information. Even Facebook acquisitions like Instagram can't escape backlash, since the last time they mulled policy changes, they lost over 4 million users.
Today, however, is a change of pace for the company. Facebook announced that they are testing a new feature of their messenger app that allows users to make phone calls via Wifi or their cellular connection.
Currently, this feature is only available for testing in Canada. If things go smoothly and testing is successful, then the feature will be released for worldwide use.
The service is available for both iOS and Android platforms. It's similar to Skype and Google Talk in that it runs through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and it lets individuals talk or send short audio messages to each other.
To call someone, users simply open up a Facebook conversation, tap the "I" button on the top right corner of the screen and select "Free Call." While the calls don't cost money directly, it's worth keeping in mind that they do deplete your phone's data availability.
As for the short audio messages, those can be played by users either through their phone or through their desktop/laptop, but can only be recorded through the Messenger phone app.
Those of us outside of Canada aren't completely left out in the cold, because worldwide users can start sending recorded audio messages now. To make a recording, tap the "+" button, hold down the "record" button, and release it to send your message.
The update is available here for iOS and here for Google Play.
In December, Facebook also began testing a different messaging service. It allowed users to spend $1 to send a message to individuals they are not connected with on the Facebook service.
"For example, if you want to send a message to someone you heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or if you want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this feature to reach their Inbox. For the receiver, this test allows them to hear from people who have an important message to send them," said the company on its blog.
