California: Facebook has announced a dedicated Messenger app for desktop to help users connect easily via group video calls and chats.

The app brings Messenger's functionalities to the desktop with unlimited and free group video calls, dark mode, and GIF support. It is available for download on the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store.

The dedicated desktop app has created a direct competition for Zoom, the popular video conferencing platform that gained millions of users overnight as it became people's go-to platform for communicating with a large number of individuals. People have been using it for working from home, studying and socializing as Covid-19 lockdown in several parts of the world ensures that they stay indoors.

Now that Zoom has been under the spotlight for the security issues on its platform and several news articles continue to point out flaws that potentially put users' privacy at risk. Can Facebook's Messenger app for desktop be the preferred alternative for long distance communication? Or will Zoom continue to ride on the overwhelming popularity that has also put it under the scanner?
Whatever the case may be, the space may also invite some new entrants in the near future.