Earlier this month word got out that Facebook was trialing a free voice calling feature in Canada. We said that, if those tests went well, the company would expand to the US. Well, things must have gone swimmingly because, just two weeks later, American customers are starting to see the same feature turn up in the Messenger app. Just tap the “i” icon in the top right hand corner while viewing a conversation with a person and you’ll see a button for a “free call.” The voice call needs to be made over WiFi, however, so don’t expect to completely replace your contact list and dialer yet. We’ve reached out for comment from Facebook, and we’ll let you know the moment we hear back. In particular we’re wondering when Android users can expect to see the same option turned on for them.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with AI strategy, implementation and governance, as well as technology, media and marketing. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology, he is a bestselling author, covers tech and business for Fox 5’s Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN, and writes the popular daily business blog Think About This. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.