Another day, another test at Facebook HQ. This time, it’s voice commands for chat and calls on Facebook Messenger.
Last week social media feature-spotter Jane Manchun Wong found a new voice commands feature within the code for Facebook Messenger’s app on Android. Soon after she spotted it, TechCrunch reported on it and confirmed that “Facebook is internally testing the voice command” feature.
A Facebook spokesperson commented: “We often experiment with new experiences on Messenger with employees. We have nothing more to share at this time.”
Wong’s screenshots of the feature reveal an M Assistant button at the top of a Messenger message thread that when tapped brings voice control to functionalities like sending messages, creating reminders and starting calls.
Facebook Messenger Voice Assistant UI pic.twitter.com/DOMe4Nsg7v
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) August 21, 2018
In his report of the feature, TechCrunch’s Josh Constine explains that “Facebook Messenger was previously spotted testing speech transcription as part of the Aloha voice assistant believed to be part of Facebook’s upcoming Portal video chat screen device. But voice commands in the M assistant are new, and demonstrate an evolution in Facebook’s strategy.”
He’s referring to Messenger’s David Marcus discussing, back in 2016, that voice “is not something [Facebook] is actively working on right now.” This is inaccurate because apparently there has been a shift in that direction.
With this test, we have a clear indication that voice will most probably be part of Messenger’s new “simpler” design which is on its way.
You might also like
More from Facebook
Meta Introduces Facebook Reels API, Offering An Option To ‘Share To Reels’
Meta has introduced the Facebook Reels API, a solution allowing developers to build a 'share to reels' option into their …
Facebook Gets Into Delivery With DoorDash Partnership
DoorDash is partnering with Meta to pilot Facebook Marketplace deliveries across multiple cities in the U.S.Drivers will only transport items …
Meta Rolls Out Horizon Worlds In France And Spain
Meta Horizon Worlds, the VR community and game, is now available in France and Spain.
Meta Refreshes Facebook Groups With New Features
Facebook Groups now have an updated invitation system to reduce admin workloads and limit sharing of misinformation.
Meta Offers Digital Security Course For Journalists And Human Rights Defenders
The Meta Journalism Project and the ICFJ have put together a self-paced 90-minute course and webinars to provide online safety …
Facebook Tests New Desktop Layout Redesign
Reports say that some users are starting to see a new Facebook desktop layout, with all options listed on a …
Meta May Soon Alert You When Your Posts Are Removed By AI
According to reports, Meta is rolling out a system that notifies users when their posts are removed and how.
Meta Is Working On A Universal Speech Translator
Meta's latest AI project seeks to extend advanced translation options to lesser-used languages and to develop a universal speech translator.
Instagram Retires Boomerang And Hyperlapse Standalone Apps
Boomerang and Hyperlapse standalone apps have been removed from app stores as their functionality is already available within Reels.
