Facebook takes aim at Zoom with video chat upgrade

Facebook on Friday unveiled a new video chat service with virtual “rooms” where people can pop in to visit friends, aiming at users turning to the popular Zoom platform during the pandemic.

Through the Facebook Messenger application, users will be able to start video call sessions that as many as 50 friends can join and linger in as long as they wish, even if they don’t have Facebook accounts.

Unlike work video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, “Messenger Rooms” is tailored for socializing with friends and family whether it be birthdays, happy hours, book clubs or parent groups.