Facebook has rolled out a new Android dialer app dubbed ‘Hello’ which offers users more information on who is calling them even if they do not have the number saved on their handsets.
The new app works by syncing 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.
Users can also can also search for people or businesses on the app and call them with a tap, provided they have made their number public on Facebook. They will also have the option to block unwanted calls either by typing a specific number to screen or by selecting the option to stop calls from commonly blocked numbers, with blocked calls being directed straight to voicemail.
“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 Facebook Product Manager, Andrea Vaccari.
Negating all the privacy concerns around the app, Vaccari said that “When you get a call, Hello will show you info about who’s calling you, even if you don’t have that number saved in your phone. You will only see info that people have already shared with you on Facebook.”
To begin with, the app is rolling out in Brazil, Nigeria and US for public testing only on Android. It is currently available for download on the Google Play App Store for free.
