Facebook updates Messenger apps with voice messaging

Its free VoIP service will go live over the next few weeks

By Lee Bell

SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITEFacebook rolled out some updates to its iOS and Android Messenger apps today, including the ability to send a quick voice message alongside a free voice over IP (VoIP) service that is due to go live "over the next few weeks".

In the version 2.1 update descriptions in the iOS and Android app stores, Facebook said that the service will allow users to "call friends for free right from Messenger" in a way similar to Skype, using your existing data plan.

Until that feature is rolled out, users can tap the '+' sign next to the box where you write a message. They then need to tap 'Record' and hold down that button and talk to send a quick message when they can't be bothered to type.

"When you're ready to send [the voice recording], just release the button," Facebook said. "This feature is perfect for when you've got more to say."

The update also includes general improvements and bug fixes.

Facebook was sued earlier last month because of the way its apps share databy a German consumer group called Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (VZBV). The group said that it has filed a lawsuit against the company over the way that it uses data, and added that Facebook has a "brutal business model". Facebook did not respond to news of the lawsuit. µ

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