How to Use Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't heard, there's absolutely a war taking place in between Facebook as well as Google - and its only just begun. With all the recent buzz as well as buzz going around the Net about Google+, Facebook decided that they needed to do something about it to obtain back right into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How To Use Video Chat On Facebook.

This implies that you as well as any one of your friends can see each other face-to-face using your cams and chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video chatting function called Hangouts, this "brand-new" attribute on Facebook appears instead unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is in fact very remarkable as well as functions a little bit differently.

If you resemble me, a lot of your non-tech savvy member of the family and also non-geeky friends have actually not also come across Google+; if they have actually become aware of it, greater than likely they're not willing to try it out. So that means you're stuck still making use of Facebook and might as well invite the new functions (because there will certainly be even more to come in this war) with open arms.

How To Use Video Chat On Facebook

Allow's take a look at how to enable and also make use of Facebook's new video chat.

Beginning

Prior to you can begin video calling your friends, you will certainly should allow it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page and clicking the green "Get Started" button. You'll after that be triggered to download and install and run the Java application needed to utilize this feature. Don't worry, this is a really fast process.

Note: The option to use this new function is not offered for everybody. When I asked my spouse to go to the web page, he was unable to see the green button. It stated that the attribute wasn't yet available to him. In this instance you'll require someone who can access the feature to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install as well as run the Java application.

Ways to Call A Friend

There are two ways to call your friends.

First Technique

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

If they have not allowed the feature, they'll be prompted to do so. If they aren't on-line, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

Second Technique

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

If you take place to call them and they're offline, you'll have the ability to leave a video message.

Keep in mind: The "call" switch will just appear if you're signed right into Facebook chat and if that friend has the featured enabled. So if you do not see a telephone call switch, you'll need to make use of the first technique to make sure that they'll be triggered to allow the feature.

Setup and Quality

The quality of the video chat is pretty outstanding. I've tried Google+ Hangouts too as well as I need to confess that the top quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also weren't nearly as numerous "hiccups" (i.e. window cold or delays).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, then you'll acknowledge the setup; there is a little home window in the top right corner of the main home window to make sure that you can see on your own. As soon as you're done with a telephone call, you can just shut the home window to finish it.

Below is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the smallest size. Even at full display sight, the high quality remained excellent.

Here is the camera sight with the controls. While I am composing this on Windows, I did test out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your home window may look a little different from mine. The only option available right here is to alter the resource of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).

Final Thoughts

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

Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no way to do group video chats-- something that is sure to find in convenient for catching up with several friends and family, team tasks, meetings, conferences, and a lot more. For now, you can still make use of Skype for that. Given that everybody is already on Facebook as well as are not likely to actually download Skype (if they haven't already), this is definitely something that ought to be executed ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do team message chats within the normal chat window.

Exactly what are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling feature? Do you think it's a necessary function? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or friends and family making use of in all? Feel free to inform us your thoughts in the remarks listed below.

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