Group video-calling services have surged this year, here’s why.

ANALYSIS: From virtual reality (VR) to self-driving cars, a number of notable technology trends have emerged throughout 2016. But over the past week, one feature in particular has really come to the fore: group video calls.
On Monday, Facebook announced group video chats for its Messenger app, with support for up to 50 people, though only six people are visible on screen at any given moment. And teen-focused social app Kik also rolled out group video chat the same day, catering to up to six frie