Facebook Messenger vs Zoom

2024. Messenger now lets you create shared albums, send HD photos and share larger files



Meta is introducing new features for Messenger users, enabling the creation of shared albums within chats, the transmission of high-definition photos, and the sharing of larger files up to 100MB in size. This update caters to individuals accustomed to sharing albums or HD images via platforms like Google Drive. Previously, users were limited to viewing a list of photos shared in a chat without the ability to organize them; now, they can create albums in group chats, facilitating organization for various occasions such as vacations or family events. To initiate an album, users select multiple photos from the chat composer and tap "create album," or long-press a photo to do so. Additionally, users can add photos to existing albums by selecting the "Add to album" option. Everyone in a chat can view, add, delete, and download pictures and videos within an album, which can be accessed via the "Media" button in the chat interface. This introduction of shared albums fills a gap in Meta's messaging services, as it's not available on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram DMs, likely making it a welcomed addition for users.


2024. Zoom unveils all-in-one AI work platform for more than just video conferencing



The unveiling of Zoom Workplace by a leading video conferencing company introduces an innovative "AI-powered collaborative platform" integrating its AI virtual assistant alongside a suite of novel features aimed at enhancing team productivity. Leveraging its existing AI Companion, Zoom Workplace streamlines meeting organization and summarization tasks, empowering users with its Ask AI Companion function to effectively prepare for and review meetings by aggregating and analyzing data from various Zoom applications such as Meetings, Mail, Team Chat, Notes, and Docs. Notably, the platform seamlessly integrates with third-party applications like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, further broadening its functionality and utility for users.


2024. Zoom debuts its app for Vision Pro, featuring digital personas, 3D files and more



Zoom has unveiled its visionOS app designed specifically for Apple's Vision Pro. This innovative application introduces various features including "persona" support, enabling users to utilize a digital avatar during calls, and 3D object sharing through the "Team Chat" feature, among others. Apple's Persona feature captures a user's face scan, providing a spatial representation of themselves within Vision Pro, and Zoom's dedicated app seamlessly incorporates this, allowing participants to observe facial and hand movements during meetings. Additionally, Zoom on Vision Pro leverages the headset's augmented reality (AR) technology, presenting video calls as floating windows that blend seamlessly with the user's physical space. The visionOS apps' three-dimensional interface facilitates the sharing of 3D files, bringing objects to life in the user's environment. While 3D object sharing will not be available at the initial launch, Zoom has announced plans to roll out this feature later in the spring.


2023. Facebook Messenger is finally adding default end-to-end encryption



Facebook Messenger is enabling end-to-end encryption as the default setting for all personal messages and calls, marking a significant update along with various other improvements. This development is particularly noteworthy for individuals prioritizing online privacy. While Messenger initially introduced end-to-end encryption as an optional feature in 2016, users were required to actively opt in. After announcing tests for default end-to-end encryption in August, Meta, the parent company, is now poised to roll out this security feature for all users. This means that individual Messenger conversations will be completely private, shielded from unauthorized access, including by Meta itself. The encryption covers both text conversations and video calls, though group chats with more than two participants remain without this added protection, at least for the time being.


2023. Zoom launches online document editor Zoom Docs



Zoom has unveiled a new product called Zoom Docs, which is a flexible and modular AI-powered workspace designed specifically to tackle the challenges of today's hybrid work environment. This innovative tool enables teams to not only create documents but also develop wikis and manage workflows seamlessly, all within the Zoom platform. Zoom Docs offers modularity, user-friendly interface, and adaptability. It seamlessly integrates with both Zoom and third-party applications, simplifying the process for teams and individuals to collaborate, create, manage projects, and stay organized. Moreover, Zoom Docs incorporates Zoom AI, allowing users to populate documents with content from Zoom Meetings, facilitating informed and efficient content creation. Additionally, the built-in Zoom AI Companion assists in generating compelling plans and projects based on previous discussions, enhancing productivity and creativity.


2023. Zoom launches an asynchronous video tool for the meeting-averse



Zoom has introduced a new asynchronous video tool called Zoom Clips. It enables users to record, edit, and share video clips without the need for a live meeting. Currently in public beta, Zoom Clips offers a dedicated content library where users can efficiently manage, share, rename, search for, download, or delete their clips. Accessible through the desktop Zoom app, the Zoom web portal, as well as the Mac menu bar and Windows system tray, Clips allows users to capture both screen and webcam feeds, optionally with a virtual background, or specific portions of their desktop. After recording, users can enhance their clips by adding a title, description, and tags, trimming unwanted sections, and sharing via email through Zoom's web portal. Additionally, users can control access to the clip, specifying whether it is viewable by anyone with the link or only within their organization, and they can monitor comments and metrics such as completion rate and views from the same portal.


2023. Zoom partners with Anthropic to bring Claude chatbot to Zoom products



With the increasing prominence of generative AI, Zoom has recognized the importance of partnering with Language Model (LLM) companies to navigate the evolving AI landscape. In line with this strategy, Zoom has recently announced its collaboration with Anthropic, a partnership that will involve leveraging Anthropic's Claude chatbot on the Zoom platform, initially focusing on the Zoom Contact Center. The objective of this partnership is to enhance customer support by providing more accurate responses while minimizing instances where the models generate fictional answers in the absence of the correct response. Zoom plans to continue collaborating with the Anthropic model and gain a deeper understanding of its workings. Eventually, the intention is to incorporate this technology into other Zoom products. It is important to note that there is currently no specific timeline for the introduction of Anthropic-based functionality to the market. However, Zoom remains committed to ongoing development in this area.


2023. Zoom acquires employee communications platform Workvivo



Zoom has announced its intention to purchase Workvivo, an Irish startup that has been operating for six years with a focus on enhancing internal communication and culture within businesses. Unlike Zoom and other similar communication tools, Workvivo places a greater emphasis on asynchronous communication rather than real-time communication. Its platform is designed to promote employee engagement on a broader level, offering features such as an activity feed, people directory, surveys, and a channel for important company announcements, similar to a modern intranet. Workvivo has gained a notable customer base since its establishment in Cork in 2017, with companies such as Amazon, RyanAir, and Bupa among its clients.


2023. Zoom announces AI features that act as your personal assistant



Video conferencing provider Zoom announced new additions to its AI-powered tool Zoom IQ. The new features leverage OpenAI's Large Language Model, or LLM, to summarize meetings, generate recaps, and draft chat and email responses. On the heels of announcements from Microsoft, Google, and Slack, Zoom is the latest major productivity tool to get the AI treatment. Zoom IQ already uses AI to give users meeting information through chapters, highlights from recordings, and action items. But it is taking it a step further by integrating OpenAI's powerful generative AI model. If you're late to a meeting, Zoom IQ can summarize in real time what you've missed and ask questions for you. Using text prompts, it can generate brainstorms using Zoom's whiteboard tool.


2023. Zoom is adding new features to compete with Slack, Calendly, Google and Microsoft



Zoom is expanding its offerings to compete with a range of companies, including Slack, Calendly, Google, and Microsoft, by introducing new features such as AI-powered meeting summaries, prompt-based email responses, and whiteboard generation, in addition to video "Huddles" and a meeting scheduler. Zoom aims to encourage users to shift more of their work tasks to its platform, and as such, it is making its email and calendar clients available to everyone. The company had been testing these tools since last year as part of a broader push beyond meetings. Furthermore, Zoom is offering hosted email and calendar services with end-to-end encryption protection and custom domains for paid users, which could serve as an alternative to Microsoft Exchange and Google Workspace for businesses.