Facebook is preparing to launch a new feature for its Messenger app that allows users of the social networking site to place free voice calls to friends.
The feature is so far available only to smartphone users in Canada and is buried within the latest update to the app, but it will eventually allow users to make free internet voice calls, known as VoIP calls, to any Facebook friend.

Experts are saying it represents an attempt by Facebook to dominate the social world by taking on the default calling function in mobile phones, the Daily Mail reported.

The new feature comes at the same time as Facebook Mess-enger rolled out a new feature worldwide that allows users to record and send a voicemail-type message to friends. Users can press and hold a red record button, speak their message, and it appears in line as part of the conversation.