Facebook has tested an app allowing people make voice calls with up to eight contacts after they indicate their availability to talk, as the company continues a recent push into providing more communications tools.
In a blog, the social media giant explained the app, named CatchUp, was addressing a problem linked to people’s tendency to avoid calling more frequently as they didn’t know whether it was a convenient time to talk.
The app allows users to indicate their availability to speak and to call contacts that show as available for conversations, removing the need to schedule a time to chat.
The company noted people won’t have to use a Facebook account as the app will access their phone contact list.
CatchUp was developed by the company’s New Product Experimentation (NPE) Team, a unit unveiled by Facebook in July 2019 to build apps offering new users experiences.
The app will initially be tested only in the US for a limited period of time.
This is the latest move by Facebook aiming to offer means of connection through its services. A month ago it introduced Messenger Rooms letting people make group video calls with up to 50 people at a time.Worldmobilelive
