Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't listened to, there's most definitely a battle going on between Facebook and Google - and also its only just started. With all the recent buzz and buzz going around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook determined that they should take action to obtain back into the spotlight; so they've currently partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - Video Chat On Facebook.

This suggests that you and any one of your friends can see each other face-to-face using your web cams and also chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "brand-new" feature on Facebook appears rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is really quite excellent and also functions a little bit in different ways.

If you resemble me, most of your non-tech savvy family members and non-geeky friends have not also become aware of Google+; if they have actually read about it, greater than most likely they're not happy to try it out. To ensure that means you're stuck still utilizing Facebook and also could as well welcome the brand-new attributes (since there will absolutely be even more ahead in this war) with open arms.


Video Chat On Facebook


Allow's take a look at how you can allow and make use of Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Starting

Before you could start video calling your friends, you will should enable it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page and clicking the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be triggered to download and install as well as run the Java application should use this attribute. Don't worry, this is an extremely fast process.


Keep in mind: The alternative to utilize this brand-new function is not available for everyone. When I asked my husband to see the web page, he was not able to see the green switch. It specified that the feature had not been yet readily available to him. In this instance you'll need someone that can access the feature to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and run the Java application.


Ways to Call A Friend



There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Approach

You could enter into a chat home window as well as click on the camera symbol from the top bar of the home window. This technique lets you call any of your friends.

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

Second Approach

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

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


Note: The "call" switch will only show up if you're signed into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured enabled. So if you do not see a call switch, you'll need to make use of the very first method so that they'll be prompted to make it possible for the attribute.

Setup and also Quality

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

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll identify the arrangement; there is a tiny home window in the leading right corner of the primary window to ensure that you can see on your own. As soon as you're finished with a telephone call, you could simply close the window to end it.

Below is the camera view without the controls. The window can be enlarged, but this is the smallest size. Also at full display view, the quality remained excellent.


Here is the camera view with the controls. While I am creating this on Windows, I did test out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your home window might look a little different from mine. The only alternative offered below is to alter the resource of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were more alternatives. For example, there is currently no way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly need to go into your computer system settings to do this or utilize the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no way to do group video chats-- something that makes sure ahead in handy for catching up with multiple friends and family, team tasks, seminars, conferences, and also more. In the meantime, you can still use Skype for that. Given that every person is currently on Facebook as well as are not likely to actually download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is most definitely something that ought to be executed ASAP. However, you can do group text talks within the typical chat window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you believe it's a necessary feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or family and friends using whatsoever? Do not hesitate to inform us your thoughts in the comments listed below.