On Wednesday, Facebook launched a new app called Hello, which acts as a dialler as well as a caller ID app, letting users know who is calling even if they do not have the number saved on their handsets. Notably, the same team that created Facebook's standalone Messenger app has created Hello - Facebook's Creative Labs.
As you would expect, Facebook Hello syncs with the user's contact list saved on the handset and the Facebook account from where it pulls the contact details and other info of Facebook users who are calling. Other features offered by Facebook Hello besides dialling and caller ID are adding and editing contacts, and sending messages via Facebook Messenger. Users can also access the caller's profile or page (a restaurant for instance) within the app, revealing further information.
It is worth mentioning that Facebook Hello app users would only see the number and name of callers only if the callers have chosen to share those details publicly. If they have only chosen to share the number with friends, only others in their friend list will see the number through the Hello app. The settings can however be changed anytime from the account's Privacy Settings page, or from within the app.
Facebook Hello will also enable users to block unwanted calls that have previously been blocked by other users. However, the calls aren't completely blocked and go straight to voicemail, as announced by Facebook Product Manager, Andrea Vaccari.
"Hello makes it easy to block unwanted calls. From your settings, you can block specific numbers and adjust whether you want to automatically blocks calls from commonly blocked numbers. Blocked calls go straight to voicemail and can be reviewed in your recent calls," said Vaccari.
The Hello app is especially useful for those who regularly switch phones, are using disposable phones, or have limited minutes, Vaccari revealed to Re/code.
The Facebook Hello app, though still in testing, is listed on Google Play, but is not available to download outside of the US, Brazil, and Nigeria.
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