Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't heard, there's absolutely a battle going on in between Facebook as well as Google - and its only just begun. With all the current buzz and buzz going around the Net concerning Google+, Facebook chose that they needed 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 implies that you and also any one of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your web cams and chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook appears instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is actually quite excellent as well as works a bit in a different way.

If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy relative and also non-geeky friends have not even become aware of Google+; if they have actually found out about it, greater than likely they're not ready to try it out. So that indicates you're stuck still using Facebook as well as might as well welcome the new attributes (due to the fact that there will most definitely be even more to come in this battle) with open arms.


Facebook Video Chat


Allow's have a look at how to enable and make use of 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 mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page and clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be triggered to download and run the Java application needed to use this feature. Don't worry, this is a very quick procedure.


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


Ways to Call A Friend



There are two methods to call your friends.

First Approach

You could enter into a chat window and click on the camera symbol from the top bar of the window. This approach allows you call any of your friends.

If they haven't made it possible for the feature, they'll be prompted to do so. If they typically aren't on the internet, you'll be able to leave them a video message.

2nd Approach

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

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


Keep in mind: The "call" button will only show up if you're authorized into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured allowed. So if you do not see a phone call button, you'll need to utilize the initial technique to ensure that they'll be motivated to allow the feature.

Setup and Quality

The quality of the video chat is pretty excellent. I've tried Google+ Hangouts also and I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also weren't nearly as several "hiccups" (i.e. home window freezing or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the arrangement; there is a tiny home window in the leading right edge of the main home window so that you can see yourself. As soon as you're performed with a telephone call, you could simply close the home window to finish it.

Below is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be enlarged, yet this is the smallest dimension. Even at full display view, the top quality remained superb.


Here is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your home window could look a little different from mine. The only alternative readily available below is to transform the source of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do want that there were even more alternatives. As an example, there is currently no way to silence your microphone from the video call home window; so you would certainly need to go into your computer setups to do this or utilize the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Additionally, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no way to do group video chats-- something that makes certain ahead in convenient for catching up with multiple loved ones, group tasks, conferences, meetings, as well as a lot more. For now, you can still make use of Skype for that. Since every person is currently on Facebook as well as are not most likely to really download and install Skype (if they have not already), this is definitely something that needs to be applied ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group message talks within the regular chat window.

Exactly what are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling feature? Do you think it's an essential feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or family and friends utilizing at all? Don't hesitate to tell us your thoughts in the comments below.