Facebook tests bill splitting feature in Messenger

Facebook/Meta

Facebook wants to make it easier to split bills with others through Messenger. Meta announced that it is trying out Split Payments in the US. It is meant to be a "free and fast way to share the cost of bills and expenses." This coming week, users in the US can charge their friends through a group chat or the Payments Hub in Messenger.

Users will need to hit the "Get Started" button in group chats to initiate the process. They can then divide the sum of money evenly or in whatever amount they prefer. The user can also include themselves in the payment and add a customizable message. The money will be sent through Facebook Pay, and after they submit, their request will be sent to the group chat's room.

Source: Engadget

Facebook Messenger finally gets end-to-end encryption on voice, video calls

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Facebook Messenger had end-to-end encryption in its messages before. But now, Facebook is bringing this security feature to voice and video calls, too. These types of communication became especially important during the pandemic, with Facebook citing over 150 million video calls a day. It isn't available in group voice, chats, and video calls yet, but the company said it would test this out with some users in the coming weeks.

End-to-end encryption offers the assurance that only you and the recipient will get access to what's in your calls and messages. Facebook won't be able to read or listen to your calls. But you can report an end-to-end encrypted message to the company if "something's wrong," which presumably refers to situations involving harassment.

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Facebook Messenger, Instagram get animated BTS characters

Source: Big Hit Entertainment

If you're part of the BTS Army (what the boyband's fans call themselves), you're familiar with TinyTAN animated characters inspired by the artists. You'll be happy to hear that Facebook Messenger and Instagram's direct messaging feature will offer a "unique chat experience" featuring BTS's cartoon counterparts. You will be able to apply a TinyTAN chat theme and use immersive 360 AR backgrounds, including a bedroom and cafe where you can find all seven characters. The rooms can be set up while on a video call with someone.

There will also be TinyTAN stickers available, with each member getting two stickers and two group stickers. All of which will be free to download and use. This social media integration comes as the seven-member K-Pop group will debut its album BE on Friday.

Source: Rolling Stone

Facebook redesigns Messenger's logo

Facebook refreshes Messenger's look with a new update that it's rolling out. It introduces a fresh, vibrant logo and default chat colour to reflect "a shift to the future of messaging - a more dynamic, fun and integrated way to hang out with your favourite people, on your favourite apps and devices."

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