Facebook Messenger: New app launched on Mac and Windows as users rush to group video chats

Facebook Messenger has finally launched a Mac and Windows app to allow people to chat on their computer. Just like the version for iOS and Android, the updated app supports group video chats, allowing numerous people to speak at once. As with other video chat platforms, Facebook said it has seen a drastic rise in the number of people using its platforms in recent weeks, as they keep up with each other through lockdowns. Over the last month, there was more than a 100 per cent increase in the number of people using their desktop browser for audio and video calls, it said. As with other versions of Messenger and Facebook more generally, the desktop app and its video call features are unlimited and free, though the company is able to collect information about people as they use it.