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Canadians to get first crack at free calls via Facebook

If you aren’t satisfied with your currently-available free calling options like Skype (for video calls), Google Voice or iCall, there's now another option, but only if you’re Canadian.

Facebook is testing its new free calling app, available only in Canada for the time being. According to The Toronto Sun, you also have to be an iPhone user to test out this new feature.

To use the new voice chat option, install or update to the latest version of Facebook’s iOS Messenger app, then open a conversation window, press “i” in the top-right corner and hit “Free Call.” The new feature uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to connect Facebook users with each other via voice calling.

[ More Right Click: iPhone bug won’t be fixed until next week ]

If successful, the feature may soon be coming to all other Facebook users worldwide.

All users now have the added option of sending voice messages using the Messenger app, too, both on Android and iOS devices. A test by PC World called the results fast, but with low sound levels, so it’s doubtful that this feature will feel just like having a conversation with someone.

As for the currently Canada-only Facebook calling, the results are quite promising: Mobile Syrup reports that the quality is good, with only the occasional digital stutter, and you can still text and access your phone’s home screen while you’re on a call.

You can download Facebook’s iPhone app here.

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