Facebook continues to add new features to Messenger, its own instant messaging service. The latest addition to the app has been Facebook’s announcement of Group Effects, which are new AR experiences for a group video call. Here’s all you need to know about Messenger’s Group Effects feature.
Facebook says, “Group Effects are new AR experiences that can augment everyone on a video call at the same time, enabling a more fun and immersive way to connect with friends and family. Whether you want to step up your competitive game or have fun with your long-distance friend, Group Effects makes video calls more entertaining.” At the end of this month, the social media giant is also expanding access to the new Spark AR Multipeer API to let more creators and developers build Group Effects. The Spark Multipeer API will allow all creators and developers to build dynamic, real-time interactive effects for larger audiences and transform the way people experience video calling.
With Group Effects users can now play multiplayer interactions with their friends, making video calls a shared experience. Users will be able to choose from a library of over 70 Group Effects, ranging from a game where they compete to build the best burger to an effect with a cute orange cat that enters everyone’s screens.
To check out Group Effects, start a video call or create a room in your Messenger app, tap the smiley face to open the effects tray and select Group Effects.
“Group Effects also enables creators to bring their creative ideas to the Messenger video calling experience. Until now, many AR effects have been a solo experience, like augmenting a photo or video for Stories or Reels. We’re excited to see how creators, like Ross Wakefield who designed the “Blow the Dandelion” effect, expand their creativity with Group Effects, while also helping you deepen connections with friends and family in real-time.” Facebook says.
Video calls enable people to bridge physical distance and interact with the world around them, especially now when they have become more important than ever. With Group Effects, Facebook aims to make those interactions even more exciting and memorable. Furthermore, Group Effects will also become a part of Instagram soon!
