Facebook takes aim at Zoom with video chat upgrade

This image provided by Facebook shows their new video chat service called Messenger Rooms on a mobile phone. With people’s social lives moved indefinitely online, a bevy of tech companies want to unseat fast-rising Zoom from its perch, given security concerns and other issues with the video-calling service. Facebook is stepping into the fray, hoping that its massive user base will give it the needed edge to drown out the competition in this already crowded field. — Facebook via AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook on April 24 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 can make video calls that as many as 50 friends can join and linger in as long as they wish, even if they don’t have Facebook accounts, the leading social network said.