Video Chat for Facebook

In case you have not heard, there's absolutely a war going on between Facebook and also Google - and its only just begun. With all the recent hype and also buzz walking around the Internet about Google+, Facebook made a decision that they should take action to get back into the limelight; so they have actually now partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - Video Chat For Facebook.

This suggests that you and any of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your webcams and also chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "brand-new" attribute on Facebook seems rather unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is actually quite remarkable and also functions a little bit differently.

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


Video Chat For Facebook


Allow's have a look at how to allow as well as utilize Facebook's new video chat.

Getting going

Prior to you can begin video calling your friends, you will have 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" button. You'll after that be motivated to download and also run the Java application needed to utilize this attribute. Don't worry, this is an extremely quick process.


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


How to Call A Friend



There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Method

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

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

Second Technique

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

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


Note: The "call" switch will only show up if you're signed right into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured made it possible for. So if you don't see a phone call switch, you'll need to make use of the very first technique to make sure that they'll be prompted to enable the attribute.

Setup and Quality

The top quality of the video chat is very excellent. I've tried Google+ Hangouts too and also I have to confess that the quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calling. There additionally weren't virtually as several "missteps" (i.e. home window freezing or delays).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll acknowledge the arrangement; there is a tiny window in the top right edge of the primary window so that you can see on your own. When you're made with a phone call, you can 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 tiniest size. Even at complete screen view, the high quality continued to be outstanding.


Right here is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did test out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your home window might look a little different from mine. The only choice readily available right here is to transform the source of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were even more options. As an example, there is currently no other way to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd need to enter 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 other way to do team video chats-- something that makes certain to find in convenient for overtaking several loved ones, team jobs, seminars, meetings, and also more. For now, you can still make use of Skype for that. Because everybody is already on Facebook as well as are not likely to in fact download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is definitely something that needs to be executed ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group text talks within the typical chat home window.

Just what are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you assume it's an essential feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones utilizing in all? Don't hesitate to inform us your thoughts in the remarks listed below.