How to Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a battle taking place between Facebook and also Google - as well as its only just started. With all the recent buzz as well as buzz walking around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook made a decision that they should act to obtain back into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How to Video Chat On Facebook.

This suggests that you and any one of your friends could see each other in person using your webcams as well as chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "new" attribute on Facebook appears instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is actually quite impressive as well as works a little bit differently.

If you're like me, the majority of your non-tech savvy relative as well as non-geeky friends have not even come across Google+; if they have read about it, more than most likely they're not ready to try it out. So that indicates you're stuck still utilizing Facebook and could also invite the new features (due to the fact that there will absolutely be even more ahead in this battle) with open arms.


How to Video Chat On Facebook


Allow's have a look at how to enable and also utilize Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting going

Prior to you could start video calling your friends, you will need to allow it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page and also clicking on the green "Get Started" button. You'll then be motivated to download and install as well as run the Java application had to use this feature. Don't worry, this is a really fast process.


Keep in mind: The choice to utilize this brand-new feature is not available for everybody. When I asked my husband to see the web page, he was unable to see the green button. It mentioned that the attribute wasn't yet readily available to him. In this instance you'll need somebody that could access the feature to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered to install and also run the Java application.


The best ways to Call A Friend



There are two ways to call your friends.

First Method

You could go into a chat window as well as click the camera icon from the top bar of the home window. This method lets you call any of your friends.

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

2nd Method

The various other approach is by clicking the "call" switch on your friend's profile page. The "call" switch will certainly show up appropriate next to the message switch, 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 right into Facebook chat and if that friend has the highlighted made it possible for. So if you do not see a phone call switch, you'll need to make use of the first approach to ensure that they'll be prompted to make it possible for the function.

Setup and also Quality

The top quality of the video chat is rather excellent. I have actually tried Google+ Hangouts also as well as I need to admit that the high quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calling. There likewise just weren't virtually as numerous "missteps" (i.e. home window cold or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll identify the setup; there is a small home window in the top right edge of the main home window to make sure that you can see on your own. As soon as you're made with a phone call, you can just close the home window to end it.

Below is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be enlarged, yet this is the smallest dimension. Also at complete screen sight, the quality continued to be superb.


Here is the camera sight with the controls. While I am creating this on Windows, I did test out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your home window may look a little various from mine. The only choice available below is to transform the resource of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were even more choices. For example, there is currently no chance to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly need to go into your computer system setups to do this or use the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Additionally, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no chance to do group video chats-- something that is sure to come in helpful for overtaking multiple family and friends, group tasks, conferences, conferences, as well as extra. In the meantime, you could still utilize Skype for that. Given that everybody is already on Facebook and are not most likely to actually download and install Skype (if they have not already), this is certainly something that should be carried out ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do group text chats within the regular chat window.

Just what are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling function? Do you believe it's a needed feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones using in all? Feel free to inform us your thoughts in the comments below.