Facebook Messenger learns Siri – after many years
Meta has added some interesting new functions to its Messenger app for iOS. Some of these have been inspired by Apple.
Facebook Messenger with Siri: Simple feature, practical result.
(Image: Meta)
Users of Facebook Messenger on the iPhone can look forward to a range of new functions that will be coming to the devices in the coming weeks via an update. For the first time, the application will directly support Apple's voice assistant Siri as well as video and audio messages that can be left for other users.
Everything now "hands-free" – Messages and calls
Meta is apparently using Apple's SiriKit for Siri integration. It should be possible to ask the voice assistant directly to start calls via Messenger or to send messages via Messenger. "Hey Siri, write a message to Malte with Messenger", for example, should then work. The message is then dictated.
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People can also be called directly in a similar way; it is always important that the Messenger app is mentioned as a means of communication, as is the case with other third-party applications integrated into Siri. This also improves support for people with disabilities, as they can communicate completely without having to reach for their iPhone.
Like a phone in HD – and soon with more AI
Meta has also taken inspiration from FaceTime and built in the ability to leave messages with other people in audio and video form. This will make Facebook Messenger "more of a full-featured phone replacement", writes Meta. If a person doesn't answer, you can record a message at the touch of a button, which is then displayed to the other person. Whether this can be turned off like a normal mailbox remained unclear at first.
Other new features include video calls in HD resolution, new voice isolation for clearer understanding of the other party and a background noise suppression function. In later versions, which will be released in the coming weeks, Facebook Messenger will also support personalized AI backgrounds in video calls. These can be called up via the effects icon and created using Meta AI. In addition to Facebook Messenger, Meta is also known to operate WhatsApp. Both applications already contain the company's AI features.
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