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
Facebook Continues To Lose Users In The US And Canada
Facebook’s daily active users decline for a second quarter in the United States and Canada, caused by user fatigue and …
Facebook Revamps Access Your Information On iOS And Android
Facebook has announced a revamped version of its Access Your Information tool, making it easier for users to find and …
Facebook Bans Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories Ahead Of Inauguration Day
Facebook has announced a ban, on its platforms, of ads promoting weapon accessories and protective equipment - at least through …
Facebook Bans Donald Trump Indefinitely From Its Platforms
Following the recent events in Washington DC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an indefinite ban on Donald Trump from …
New Facebook Pages Come Without A Like Button
Facebook is rolling out a new design for Facebook Pages. It comes with new features, but without a Like button.
New Year’s Eve 2020 Sets New Records For Use Of Facebook Apps
Facebook was expecting a traffic spike on its apps over New Year's Eve, but this year broke all previous records …
3 Courses To Help You Create Better Video Content For Your Ads
Here are three free Facebook Blueprint courses to help you take your content to the next level.
Facebook Attacks Apple With Full-Page Newspaper Ads
Facebook is running newspaper ads newspapers criticizing Apple for its policy giving iOS users the choice of whether they want …
New Facebook Collab App Lets You Create Music With Friends
Facebook Collab is a new experimental music-making app available in the US, that lets you create music with friends.