Facebook finds a new home on Android, Messenger enables voice calls in Asia
Facebook is making inroads into the mobile ecosystem, finding a new “home” on Android and now offering VoIP Messenger calls outside of the US.
Mobile is the next frontier for Facebook. And while the social network has previously been criticized for a weak mobile strategy, its latest thrusts now include a stronger presence on mobile platforms. Facebook Messenger earlier launched mobile calling from within the app for US and Canadian users. The service opened to the UK last week. Now, Facebook is also offering VoIP calling to users around the world, Asia included.
From within Facebook Messenger app — currently available on iOS and Android — clicking the “i” button gets you more information about your contact. You might also notice a new button called “Free Call” which would be greyed out if your contact is not available for calling through the service. Calls go through either your mobile data or WiFi, so you might have to watch your consumption if you’re connected via 3G, LTE or other mobile data protocols.
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The service is limited to users on the Messenger app, though, and those on the desktop versions cannot call users on Messenger (although a desktop-to-desktop calling feature is available).
Additionally, Facebook wants to take over the Android homescreen in partnership with carriers. HTC phones will start shipping soon with a custom home screen with its own applications. Observers say this could well be the supposed “Facebook phone” that has long been rumored to be in the works, although it will come in a different package than a conventional smartphone. If Facebook were to partner with most Android device manufacturers and/or carriers, they can better position themselves as the default or go-to app for messaging, social networking and now even calls.
Facebook is actually launching a media event, asking the press to “come see our new home on Android.” This could well refer to the Android home screen, or perhaps a different partnership with Google or Android smartphone manufacturers altogether. Android enthusiast sites even posit that Facebook could be developing its own fork of Android in partnership with HTC, and this would have deeper Facebook integration than the simple inclusion of apps and feeds on the Android home screen.
We will know for sure by April 4th at 10 A.M. Pacific Time (2 A.M. of April 5th, Singapore time). Until then, we can start enjoying calling our friends on Messenger for free wherever they are in the world.
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