Facebook Messenger adds voice messages for iOS and Android, voice calling coming soon

The Facebook Messenger apps for Apple iOS and Android have been updated to include short audio recordings of voice messages that can be shared between users. Messenger follows similar offerings from other messaging clients, but the key difference is that this is not instant communication - yet.

Facebook Messenger allows members to record short voice messages and then listen or send to a contact. The recipient then receives a notification that a new message has been set, so it's a bit like leaving a voicemail. This can be useful for someone looking to contact a friend or family member without disturbing them with a traditional phone call or using any voice minutes.

While Messenger doesn't include instant voice conversations like BBM Voice for most users, some users in Canada are already able to access that feature. The iOS version of Messenger in Canada includes VoIP calls, according to AllThingsD, and that's likely just a testing ground for a rollout of the feature to iPhone and Android users in other countries soon. For now, voice messages should be available to all Facebook members with a compatible iPhone or Android device.

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