Facebook Messenger iOS App Gains Screen Sharing Feature for Video Calls

[MacRumors]

Facebook today announced that a new screen sharing feature is now available in the Messenger app on iOS and Android. The feature was first available on the web version of Facebook, and on desktop apps.

On iOS, you can share a live view of your iPhone screen with a friend or family member. When video calling someone, you can tap to expand the bottom menu and find the "Share Your Screen" option.

After it's selected, you can then navigate to your Photos app to share pictures, browse Instagram with a friend, shop online, and more.

Screen sharing can be used in a one-on-one call, in a group video call with up to eight people, or in a Messenger Rooms conversation with up to 16 people.

Facebook said the screen sharing feature is available across the globe starting today.

Article Link: Facebook Messenger iOS App Gains Screen Sharing Feature for Video Calls

 

[Rychiar]

how bout they concentrate on getting dark mode on their main app like now. this is getting ridiculous.

 

[Ohples]

Now if only Messages on iOS would get this feature just like messages on Mac does.
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how bout they concentrate on getting dark mode on their main app like now. this is getting ridiculous.

Or and iPad version of instagram

 

[Wags]

Might as well have this feature. Everyone has been sharing their screen with Facebook.

 

[TonyC28]

Can we skip to the part where we learn about the accidental security flaw in this?

 

[BWhaler]

Facebook. So gross.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Can we skip to the part where we learn about the accidental security flaw in this?

Turns out that the screen sharing never turns off. it just stays on, even after a call has ended.
Facebook a week later: We have found a small error and will put out a fix as soon as possible
Waits 3 more months before fixing it

 

[j_maddison]

What could possibly go wrong ..........

 

[MacCheetah3]

how bout they concentrate on getting dark mode on their main app like now. this is getting ridiculous.

And/or for Safari -- though maybe it's good the "New Facebook" isn't compatible, provided for Safari because now I do my rare FB usage via Chrome and don't contaminate my Safari history.😆

 

[Apple Freak]

And/or for Safari -- though maybe it's good the "New Facebook" isn't compatible, provided for Safari because now I do my rare FB usage via Chrome and don't contaminate my Safari history.😆

Facebook now no longer works in Safari? Didn't know that. (I haven't been on FB in over a year now)

 

[MacCheetah3]

Facebook now no longer works in Safari? Didn't know that. (I haven't been on FB in over a year now)

Just not the "New Facebook", their new layout and dark mode option. Maybe May or so is when I started using Chrome to access FB for the dark mode support. The new layout is okay, but I rarely use FB anyway, so I never had/have a problem finding features. 😉

 

[Omega V]

how bout they concentrate on getting dark mode on their main app like now. this is getting ridiculous.

I've had "Dark Mode" on the regular Facebook app for about two weeks now, I don't know why you don't see it?

 

[dogslobber]

I'd rather install malware.

 

[Omega V]

Just not the "New Facebook", their new layout and dark mode option. Maybe May or so is when I started using Chrome to access FB for the dark mode support. The new layout is okay, but I rarely use FB anyway, so I never had/have a problem finding features. 😉

I've been using Facebook on Safari for awhile now with the new layout and dark mode, I don't know why other people aren't seeing the update?

 

[MEJHarrison]

Can we skip to the part where we learn about the accidental security flaw in this?

I would think the "accidental security flaw" is allowing Facebook to see my screen and whatever I do on it. No need to dig deep on this one. The feature itself IS the flaw in my opinion.

 

[WiseAJ]

I've had "Dark Mode" on the regular Facebook app for about two weeks now, I don't know why you don't see it?

I'm tired of apps rolling out new features only to select users. I want dark mode for Facebook app and I actually want that new bottom nav bar in snapchat but am I special enough to get either? no...

 

[Osxguy]

My spidy senses are tingling..................... maybe it is time to listen to my gut and get off of Facebook...

 

[iStorm]

how bout they concentrate on getting dark mode on their main app like now. this is getting ridiculous.

It is available, but only to some people. I don't understand why a feature like this needs to be a slow, controlled roll-out.

The same could be said for their website's new look, only some people can see it. My mom signed up for Facebook a couple months ago to keep in touch with her family. I wanted to have her use the new look right off the bat so she wouldn't have to relearn things when it did switch over for good...but no, it's not an option, and still isn't.

 

[Omega V]

I'm tired of apps rolling out new features only to select users. I want dark mode for Facebook app and I actually want that new bottom nav bar in snapchat but am I special enough to get either? no...

I have noticed in the past that Facebook seems to rollout new features little by little to all their users but I assumed by now everyone would have it. Don't know why it's taking weeks to rollout fully because I haven't had any issues so far.

 

[alexandr]

so cool. when can we move in to facebook?

 

[dallastigers]

​

Does Apple have an API for apps to use the built in screen recording function as a way to share screen? Or is this done another way?

It's very obvious when using built in screen recording, but just looking at pictures this doesn't seem quit as clear (I haven't looked at any specifics). Hopefully it's clear versus being confused for a kind of multi tasking or PiP view of video call while doing other stuff you think is private. Also that's it's a clear process to grant this permission to apps.

Regardless screen sharing probably needs to be added to privacy settings to keep track of apps asking for this specific permission.

I just learned turning off allowing Live Photo's during FaceTime call probably has no effect on stopping screen recordings (video only) or giving other person notification it's being recorded making me wonder why even have this setting as it gives some a false sense of stopping screen captures. I don't use FaceTime enough to verify, but was reading explanation on how police were possible able to view Naya Rivera's facetimes with family to try and locate area.

 

[SBlue1]

I thought the Facebook app already shared your screen with its developers by default?

 

[ignatius345]

How is screen sharing not an iOS feature? That should be built into iMessage just as Screen Sharing is available through Messages on MacOS.

I'm sure as hell not installing Facebook spyware to get this feature, that's for sure.

 

[kirky29]

I didn’t even realise this was possible for iOS. Always thought it should be a basic feature, my grandparents often get stuck doing something on their iPad and I’d love to just be able to see what they’re doing so I could try to help! Like on a Mac or PC.

 

[kyjaotkb]

I wouldn't be surprised if they were using a private API the App Store reviewers missed and if this was shot down by Apple. I don't know of any other app allowing screen sharing on iOS. Well, I'n not going to pretend I know the millions of Apps on the App Store so I am happy to be enlightened. Any other examples out there?