Facebook is taking on Skype by adding video calls to Messenger

In a direct move against services like Facetime and Skype, Facebook has added a new video calling feature to its Messenger app. Available in eighteen regions across the globe, this new feature allows users to have video chats with anyone who also has the Messenger app so long as you’re both connected to Wi-Fi or have an LTE data connection. 

Available for mobile users utilizing either a Wi-Fi or LTE data connection, Facebook has added a new video calling feature to Messenger for users in eighteen regions around the globe. Stacking up against products like Apple’s Facetime and Microsoft’s Skype, video calling in Facebook Messenger is completely free and can be activated by simply tapping the camera icon within the chat interface. You also have to select a friend to chat with prior to launching the call. Once the call has been accepted by the other party, users have the ability to switch between the front-facing and rear cameras. Unlike Apple’s Facetime, there’s no need for the person you are calling to own an Apple device. As long as the users have the latest version of the messaging application, cross-platform communication is possible.