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Instagram adds walkie-talkie voice messages
You no longer have to strike up a live conversation if you want voice chats on Instagram -- the social network has launched walkie-talkie style voice messaging feature for direct messages. If you want to speak your mind, you only have to hold down a microphone button to record a message that your recipients (either individuals or groups) can play on their own time. You can deliver a heartfelt message if text seems too impersonal, or dash off a quick reply when you don't have both hands free.
Facebook sues BlackBerry over voice messaging patent infringement
In the latest battle in the patent war between Facebook and BlackBerry, the social networking giant is suing the phone maker over alleged infringement of six patents, including one related to a voice messaging feature in BBM Enterprise. Facebook asked for a trial to resolve the matter and is seeking unspecified damages in the suit, which it filed in San Francisco federal court.
Xbox One April update arrives without voice messaging
We hope you weren't banking on the Xbox One's promised voice messaging feature to set up matches and gloat over victories. Microsoft has released the console's April update, but voice messaging has been yanked from the finished release (it's still available to preview users) due to "feedback" from testers -- in other words, it's just not ready for prime time. Dedicated party chat servers will have to wait, too. While there are still some useful additions, such as detailed achievement notifications, game hub links and wider access to the "What's On" hub, you'll likely have to wait at least a month for the upgrade's former tentpole feature.
Xbox One is finally getting voice messages
Among the many improvements of moving to a new console generation, the Xbox One left a few features from the Xbox 360 behind. Now, Microsoft is testing a preview for its April update that brings back one of the most requested features: voice messages. As annoying as voicemail can be on a phone, simply saying a quick message while trying to coordinate a raid in Destiny can often be faster than typing it with a controller or even the SmartGlass app. One more bonus? The voice messages will work across Xbox One and Xbox 360. The software update with the feature is already available to preview members, check after the break for more details and a demo video.
Facebook adds voice recording to Messenger, testing VoIP service in Canada
If you're a fan of the Facebook Messenger app keep your eye out for an interesting update coming down the pipe today for both the iOS and Android versions. The social network is adding the ability to record and send voice messages, up to one minute in length, to your friends. The goal isn't to create a voice mail system for Facebook, but to give users another option for interacting when typing is either impossible or inconvenient. It works much like the video feature in the company's Poke app -- press and hold the red record button, speak your message and it'll appear in-line as part of your chat, represented by a clickable sound wave icon. Even more interesting though, is the VoIP capabilities that are being flipped on for Canadian users. It's a little buried at the moment -- hidden behind the "i" icon in the chat window -- but everyone's favorite social network is now offering a way to place free voice calls to friends. Interestingly, the platform is built on open source technology and not on its Skype partnership. If things go well in the land of maple trees and Mounties we imagine it wont be too long before America gets a taste of VoIP calling Facebook style.
