How to Use Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a battle taking place between Facebook and also Google - and also its only just begun. With all the current buzz and also buzz walking around the Web concerning Google+, Facebook decided that they needed to take action to get back right into the spotlight; so they've currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How to Use Facebook Video Chat.

This implies that you and also any one of your friends can see each other in person using your web cams and chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video talking feature called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook seems instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is actually rather excellent and also functions a bit in different ways.

If you're like me, the majority of your non-tech savvy member of the family and also non-geeky friends have actually not also heard of Google+; if they have actually found out about it, greater than most likely they're not going to try it out. To ensure that suggests you're stuck still using Facebook and also might too invite the new features (because there will definitely be more to find in this war) with open arms.


How to Use Facebook Video Chat


Let's take a look at ways to enable as well as utilize Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting Started

Prior to you can start video calling your friends, you will have to allow 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 after that be prompted to download and run the Java application should use this feature. Don't worry, this is an extremely fast process.


Keep in mind: The alternative to use this brand-new attribute is not readily available for every person. When I asked my other half to check out the page, he was unable to see the green button. It stated that the feature wasn't yet readily available to him. In this situation you'll require somebody that could access the feature to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install as well as run the Java application.


How you can Call A Friend



There are 2 means to call your friends.

First Approach

You can go into a chat window and also click the camera symbol from the top bar of the window. This method lets you call any one of your friends.

If they haven't enabled the feature, they'll be triggered to do so. If they typically aren't on-line, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Technique

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

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


Note: The "call" button will only appear if you're authorized into Facebook chat and if that friend has the featured enabled. So if you do not see a telephone call button, you'll need to utilize the initial method to make sure that they'll be prompted to allow the feature.

Setup and Quality

The quality of the video chat is quite outstanding. I have actually attempted Google+ Hangouts as well and also I have to confess that the quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also just weren't nearly as numerous "hiccups" (i.e. window cold or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll acknowledge the configuration; there is a small window in the leading right edge of the major home window to ensure that you could see on your own. As soon as you're performed with a call, you can simply shut the window to finish it.

Below is the camera view without the controls. The window can be enlarged, but this is the tiniest dimension. Even at complete display view, the quality remained exceptional.


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


Final Thoughts

I do want that there were more alternatives. For example, there is currently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd need to enter into your computer settings to do this or use the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no way to do group video chats-- something that makes sure to come in helpful for overtaking numerous friends and family, group jobs, conferences, conferences, and extra. For now, you can still utilize Skype for that. Considering that every person is currently on Facebook and also are not likely to in fact download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is certainly something that should be applied ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group message chats within the typical chat window.

Just what are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling function? Do you assume it's a required feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones making use of in any way? Feel free to inform us your ideas in the remarks below.