Facebook has today rolled out its new VoIP calling feature to Messenger users in the United Kingdom, following its launch in the United States back in January. Available only on the iPhone, the feature allows users to make free voice calls to their Facebook friends over Wi-Fi and 3G.
U.K. users won’t actually see an update to the Facebook Messenger app; the feature will be quietly added in the background. To make a free call, simply find your friend within the app, tap the information button next to their name, and hit “Free Call.”
It’s not just voice calling that’s been added, either — you’ll also be able to enjoy voice messaging. This allows you to send short voice recordings within Messenger conversations by tapping the “+” button above the keyboard.
Voice calling over Wi-Fi and 3G allows Facebook to compete with services like Skype and Viber. It also gives iPhone users the option to sidestep their carrier’s call charges when connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot, which will be incredibly useful while traveling to foreign countries when call charges are steep.
If you’re a Facebook Messenger user in the U.K., you should see the new feature shortly. It’s rolling out now, we’re told, but it might not reach every user right away. (I still don’t see it on my iPhone yet.) And if you don’t have the app yet, hit the source link below to download it.
Source: App Store
