Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't heard, there's certainly a war taking place in between Facebook as well as Google - and also its only just begun. With all the recent hype as well as buzz going around the Web concerning Google+, Facebook chose that they had to act to get back into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - Facebook Video Chat.

This suggests that you and also any one of your friends can see each other face-to-face utilizing your webcams and also chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video talking function called Hangouts, this "brand-new" attribute on Facebook seems rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is really pretty impressive and works a bit in a different way.

If you're like me, most of your non-tech savvy relative as well as non-geeky friends have not even come across Google+; if they have actually heard about it, more than most likely they're not willing to try it out. So that means you're stuck still using Facebook as well as might also invite the brand-new features (because there will certainly be even more to find in this battle) with open arms.


Facebook Video Chat


Let's have a look at how you can allow as well as make use of Facebook's new video chat.

Getting going

Prior to you can start video calling your friends, you will have to enable it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page and also clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll then be prompted to download as well as run the Java application should use this feature. Don't worry, this is a really fast procedure.


Keep in mind: The option to use this new attribute is not readily available for everyone. When I asked my husband to go to the web page, he was not able to see the green switch. It stated that the attribute had not been yet available to him. In this case you'll require someone that could access the function to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and run the Java application.


The best ways to Call A Friend



There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Technique

You can go into a chat home window and click the camera symbol from the top bar of the home window. This technique allows you call any of your friends.

If they have not made it possible for the function, they'll be triggered to do so. If they aren't on the internet, you'll be able to leave them a video message.

2nd Method

The various other approach is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's profile web page. The "call" button will show up right next to the message button, in the top right of their profile web page.

If you take place to call them as well as they're offline, you'll have the ability to leave a video message.


Note: The "call" switch will only appear if you're authorized right into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you do not see a telephone call switch, you'll need to use the initial method to make sure that they'll be triggered to enable the feature.

Setup and Quality

The high quality of the video chat is pretty remarkable. I've attempted Google+ Hangouts also and also I have to confess that the quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calls. There additionally weren't nearly as many "missteps" (i.e. home window freezing or delays).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll identify the configuration; there is a little home window in the top right edge of the primary home window to ensure that you can see on your own. When you're performed with a call, you can simply close the window to end it.

Right here is the camera view without the controls. The home window can be bigger, but this is the smallest size. Also at complete screen view, the high quality continued to be outstanding.


Here is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did test out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your window may look a little various from mine. The only choice available right here is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do want that there were even more alternatives. For instance, there is currently no other way to silence your microphone from the video call home window; so you 'd have to go into your computer setups to do this or make use of the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Additionally, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no chance to do team video talks-- something that makes sure to come in helpful for overtaking numerous loved ones, group jobs, seminars, conferences, and also much more. For now, you could still utilize Skype for that. Given that everybody is already on Facebook and also are not most likely to really download and install Skype (if they have not already), this is absolutely something that should be applied ASAP. However, you can do team message talks within the typical chat home window.

Exactly what are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling feature? Do you think it's a needed attribute? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or loved ones making use of in any way? Feel free to inform us your thoughts in the comments below.