Video Chat for Facebook

In case you haven't heard, there's certainly a war taking place in between Facebook as well as Google - and its only just begun. With all the current hype and buzz walking around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook determined that they had to do something about it to get back into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Video Chat for Facebook.

This means that you as well as any one of your friends could see each other face-to-face using your web cams and chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "brand-new" feature on Facebook appears rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is actually rather outstanding and functions a bit in a different way.

If you resemble me, most of your non-tech savvy member of the family and non-geeky friends have actually not even become aware of Google+; if they have heard about it, greater than likely they're not going to try it out. So that implies you're stuck still utilizing Facebook and also might also welcome the brand-new features (because there will definitely be more to find in this war) with open arms.


Video Chat for Facebook


Allow's take a look at the best ways to make it possible for as well as utilize Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting Started

Prior to you could start video calling your friends, you will certainly have to enable it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be triggered to download and also run the Java application had to utilize this feature. Don't worry, this is a really fast procedure.


Note: The option to utilize this new feature is not offered for everybody. When I asked my husband to visit the page, he was not able to see the green button. It specified that the feature had not been yet available to him. In this situation you'll need somebody that can access the feature to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered to install as well as run the Java application.


How you can Call A Friend



There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Approach

You can go into a conversation window as well as click on the camera symbol from the top bar of the home window. This approach lets you call any of your friends.

If they have not made it possible for the feature, they'll be motivated to do so. If they typically aren't on the internet, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Approach

The various other approach is by clicking the "call" switch on your good friend's profile web page. The "call" switch will appear appropriate beside the message button, in the top right of their profile page.

If you occur to call them and they're offline, you'll be able to leave a video message.


Note: The "call" button will just show up if you're authorized right into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the featured enabled. So if you do not see a phone call button, you'll have to use the initial method to ensure that they'll be triggered to allow the feature.

Setup as well as Quality

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

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll recognize the configuration; there is a tiny window in the leading right edge of the major home window to make sure that you can see on your own. As soon as you're finished with a phone call, you can just close the window to finish it.

Right here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be enlarged, however this is the tiniest size. Even at complete screen view, the high quality stayed superb.


Here is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the function on the Mac OS. So, your home window may look a little various from mine. The only choice available below is to alter the source of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

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

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no other way to do group video talks-- something that makes certain to find in useful for catching up with numerous family and friends, team projects, meetings, conferences, and also much more. In the meantime, you can still utilize Skype for that. Since everyone is already on Facebook and also are not most likely to really download Skype (if they have not currently), this is most definitely something that should be applied ASAP. However, you can do team text talks within the regular chat window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling function? Do you believe it's an essential feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones utilizing whatsoever? Do not hesitate to inform us your ideas in the remarks listed below.