Facebook apes Clubhouse app with new audio tools

• Zuckerberg announces features similar to buzz-generating app
• Will include short-form audio clips and live audio rooms

Facebook has announced plans to launch new audio products and features in an aggressive move to take on competitors including Twitter and Clubhouse, an invitation-only audio platform that has generated significant buzz.

Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement in an interview with Casey Newton, a former tech reporter for the Verge who now runs his own newsletter, saying the social media network had plans in the coming months to launch features including short-form audio clips called Soundbites", as well as live audio rooms. The CEO said there would soon be a way for users to discover and play podcasts on Facebook as well.