How to Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a battle going on between Facebook and Google - and its only just begun. With all the recent hype and also buzz walking around the Web about Google+, Facebook decided that they had to act to obtain back right into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - How to Facebook Video Chat.

This means that you and any one of your friends can see each other face-to-face using your cams as well as chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video chatting attribute called Hangouts, this "brand-new" feature on Facebook seems rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact very excellent and also works a little bit in a different way.

If you resemble me, the majority of your non-tech savvy relative as well as non-geeky friends have not also become aware of Google+; if they have heard about it, more than most likely they're not going to try it out. So that suggests you're stuck still making use of Facebook and also could as well welcome the brand-new attributes (since there will absolutely be more to find in this battle) with open arms.


How to Facebook Video Chat


Let's take a look at how you can enable and also utilize Facebook's new video chat.

Getting Started

Prior to you could start video calling your friends, you will need to allow it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be prompted to download and install and also run the Java application should utilize this function. Don't worry, this is an extremely fast procedure.


Note: The alternative to utilize this brand-new attribute is not offered for everyone. When I asked my partner to visit the page, he was not able to see the green button. It stated that the feature wasn't yet available to him. In this case you'll require a person that could access the attribute to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and also run the Java application.


Ways to Call A Friend



There are two ways to call your friends.

First Method

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

If they have not enabled the function, they'll be triggered to do so. If they typically aren't online, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Technique

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

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


Note: The "call" button will just appear if you're authorized right into Facebook chat and if that friend has the featured allowed. So if you do not see a call switch, you'll need to use the initial technique to ensure that they'll be triggered to allow the feature.

Setup as well as Quality

The high quality of the video chat is very remarkable. I have actually attempted Google+ Hangouts also as well as I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There likewise just weren't virtually as lots of "hiccups" (i.e. home window freezing or delays).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll identify the arrangement; there is a tiny window in the leading right corner of the primary window to ensure that you could see on your own. Once you're made with a telephone call, you could just close the home window to finish it.

Right here is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be bigger, however this is the smallest dimension. Even at complete screen view, the top quality remained outstanding.


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 window may look a little various from mine. The only alternative readily available right here is to change the resource of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were even more alternatives. For instance, there is presently no chance to mute your microphone from the video call home window; so you 'd should go into your computer settings to do this or utilize the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Additionally, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no chance to do group video chats-- something that is sure ahead in helpful for catching up with numerous friends and family, team tasks, conferences, conferences, and also extra. In the meantime, you could still make use of Skype for that. Given that everyone is already on Facebook as well as are not most likely to in fact download and install Skype (if they haven't already), this is absolutely something that should be executed ASAP. However, you can do team message talks within the normal chat window.

Just what are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you think it's a needed feature? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or loved ones using whatsoever? Do not hesitate to inform us your ideas in the remarks below.