You may soon be able to hold group calls via Facebook the same way you do through Skype. Facebook has begun testing a group voice call feature via its desktop site, adding yet another feature to the immensely powerful and popular social networking platform.
The feature is currently being tested on a small scale, TechCrunch confirms. Facebook users who were chosen to try it will find a call button on their group chats and can click it to begin a call with members of the group.
Facebook introduced audio calling using desktop in 2013, but back then it was limited to between two people. In April this year Facebook Messenger allowed group calls on mobile, but the feature did not extend to Facebook's desktop version.
Facebook's latest move is part of a growing trend towards embracing voice and video among messaging apps. TechCrunch notes that Snapchat, WeChat, Whatsapp, Slack and other apps now have both voice and video calling features. Over the weekend, Oculus, which Facebook owns, also launched calls via virtual reality called Parties.
Facebook's group calling feature does not have a video component yet. Digital Trends believes, however, that it's just a matter of time before group chats extend to video, in which case Facebook would be posing a direct challenge to Skype.
Technology analysts see the eventual rollout of Facebook group voice calls as a challenge to Skype and Google Hangouts. TechRadar describes it as part of Facebook's goal to "do everything every other app can do."
Facebook currently has more than 1 billion active users. The social networking giant has been beefing up the functionality of both its desktop site and mobile app in recent months, adding features that appear aimed at grabbing users away from its rivals.
Facebook is reported to be planning to fund its own video content, a service that can be similar to what Netflix and other streaming sites currently offer. Its Messenger app has also introduced games, as well as artistic effects to its camera that made it similar to Snapchat.
