Messenger adds Siri integration, AI video backgrounds, and yes, voicemail

There’s a pretty cool update for Messenger out today. Meta has introduced phone and video calling voicemail, similar to FaceTime. The Facebook calling service is also adding AI video backgrounds and integrating Siri.

Apple introduced the highly requested FaceTime video message feature last year, and Meta is joining the party with Messenger today. Voicemail for unanswered calls is actually new for both video and audio calls.

One feature still missing from both FaceTime and Messenger is custom answering machine-style messages for when you’re unavailable. Other telephony features include voice isolation and background noise suppression.

Messenger is also integrating with Siri in a big way. Meta explains:

When your hands are full or your phone is out of reach, you can now ask Siri to help you make your calls and messages wherever you are. Try something like: “Hey Siri, send a message to Cassandra on Messenger” and then dictate what that message will be.  

Pretty rad if you’re a frequent Messenger caller.

And it wouldn’t be a service update without a hint of AI baked in, right? Meta is turning on the ability to create AI-generated backgrounds that can be used during video calls. While FaceTime recently added custom backgrounds, we’ll have to wait for Apple Intelligence and Image Playground integration.

Read more about the latest version of Messenger here.