Over a month ago, Facebook added the ability to call friends for free via its Messenger iOS app. An update to the social network's full Facebook iOS app has now added the feature for everyone. While it still requires both callers to have the app installed, the service is a nice alternative to eating up carrier minutes.
Version 5.5 of the Facebook app makes calling buddies for free rather simple. Simply open the chat window, tap the little "i" button, and start talking. Granted, the person on the other end of the line will need the updated version of Facebook iOS for the call to work.
The VoIP feature was added to the standalone Messenger app back in January, and while handy, fewer people seemed to have the chat-specific app installed. With today's update, you should be able to contact any friend within the primary, full Facebook iOS app.
Today's update also includes a new button design, intended to make liking, commenting, and sharing posts "easy" (whatever that means). The share button is also available in all languages, now.
Calls over VoIP within Facebook sound a bit tinny -- as they did with the Messenger update -- but hey, a free lunch is a free lunch.
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