Advertisement
Sections
Facebook officially starts rolling out Messenger Rooms; WhatsApp for Android may soon integrate it
A report reveals that 'Rooms' will be a separate category in the 'calls' tab in WhatsApp.

Facebook recently started testing its video calling tool called Messenger Rooms that allows up to 50 participants. And as of today, the tool has officially started to rollout to users in India.Parallely, WhatsApp is reportedly testing integrating Messenger Rooms on the platform as well.(Also read: Facebook Messenger Rooms: What is it, how does it work, and should you use it? All your questions, answered!) [caption id="attachment_8379461" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Messenger Room on Facebook mobile app. Image: Facebook Newsroom[/caption]As per a report by WABetaInfo, in the 2.20.163 beta update in WhatsApp for Android, Facebook has integrated Messenger Rooms in the messaging app. A "Room" option will not reportedly appear in the chat menu that will direct the users to Messenger Rooms where you can create a room and video call up to 50 people (including you!).This feature was also spotted in testing last month on Android beta version of the app.[caption id="attachment_8379231" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Image: WABetaInfo[/caption]The report also reveals that "Rooms" will be a separate category in the "calls" tab in WhatsApp. Once you tap on the "Rooms" option in the "Calls" tab, it will ask you if you want to open the Messenger Rooms.Since this update has reportedly rolled out in beta version hence it is expected to come soon to the stable version of WhatsApp as well.Currently, WhatsApp allows up to 8 people on a group video call. To recall, you can create Messenger Rooms even if you don't have a Facebook account.
Messenger Room on Facebook mobile app. Image: Facebook Newsroom[/caption]As per a report by WABetaInfo, in the 2.20.163 beta update in WhatsApp for Android, Facebook has integrated Messenger Rooms in the messaging app. A "Room" option will not reportedly appear in the chat menu that will direct the users to Messenger Rooms where you can create a room and video call up to 50 people (including you!).This feature was also spotted in testing last month on Android beta version of the app.[caption id="attachment_8379231" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Image: WABetaInfo[/caption]The report also reveals that "Rooms" will be a separate category in the "calls" tab in WhatsApp. Once you tap on the "Rooms" option in the "Calls" tab, it will ask you if you want to open the Messenger Rooms.Since this update has reportedly rolled out in beta version hence it is expected to come soon to the stable version of WhatsApp as well.Currently, WhatsApp allows up to 8 people on a group video call. To recall, you can create Messenger Rooms even if you don't have a Facebook account.First Published:May 18, 2020, 15:38:04 IST
Advertisement
Advertisement

Why AI notetakers are raising serious privacy and security concerns
AI notetakers promise effortless meeting summaries, but experts warn they could expose confidential conversations, corporate secrets and personal voiceprints. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered meeting assistants, questions over data storage, privacy, consent and legal risks are becoming impossible to ignore
5 min read
China's low-cost AI models are changing the global AI race. Here's why Silicon Valley is worried
As Chinese firms continue to improve performance while keeping prices low, the AI race is no longer just about building the smartest model—it is increasingly becoming a battle over who can deliver the best value
2 min read
China's Kimi K3 challenges US AI leaders with frontier-level performance at lower cost
Chinese artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has unveiled its latest open-weight AI model, Kimi K3, with early results suggesting it could compete with some of the world's most advanced AI systems developed by leading US companies
2 min read
How did Instagram run ads promoting child abuse in India?
India has issued a notice to Meta after an investigation alleged that Instagram displayed paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material. MeitY ordered Meta to remove such Instagram ads and explain within seven days how they were approved
8 min read
Why has India halted WhatsApp’s username feature before launch?
India has halted WhatsApp’s planned username feature, citing concerns about cybercrime, impersonation, and law enforcement challenges. As Meta races to address security concerns, here’s why MeitY has paused the rollout, what the feature does, and how it could influence privacy and online safety in India
3 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
