Facebook Messenger now takes an important step forward by allowing users to start sharing augmented reality experiences with other participants in the same conversation. Until now, augmented reality experiences were only exclusive to some users. The arrival of “Group Effects” and its library of more than 70 effects gives a new way to enjoy video conversations.
Facebook Messenger has new AR Group Effects for video calls and rooms
Group Effects begin their journey in both video calls and Rooms in Messenger, although Facebook promises that they will be added to Instagram too, where we assume that the same augmented reality effects will be available.
But Facebook will try to offer more through this feature. That’s why they have also announced that they will be extending access to the new Spark AR Multipeer API to more developers and group effect creators.
Facebook: “With the Spark Multipeer API, all creators and developers can build dynamic, real-time interactive effects for larger audiences and transform the way people experience video calling.”
To start a Group Effect you just need to be in a video call or in a Messenger room, tap the smiley face, and open the effects tray, where you will have to choose Group Effects and select the one you want to use with the rest of the participants. We do not know if the company plans to bring Group Effects to other applications or its own platforms.
They do not mention if it will be necessary to have the latest version of the Messenger app installed, although it is always a good idea to have the latest version available for security reasons as well.
