Facebook Chat Video

In case you haven't heard, there's absolutely a war taking place between Facebook and also Google - as well as its only just started. With all the recent hype and buzz going around the Web concerning Google+, Facebook chose that they needed to act to obtain back right into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Facebook Chat Video.

This suggests that you and also any of your friends could see each other face-to-face using your web cams and also chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "brand-new" feature on Facebook seems rather unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is actually pretty excellent as well as functions a little bit in different ways.

If you resemble me, a lot of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have actually not also come across Google+; if they have become aware of it, more than likely they're not happy to try it out. To ensure that means you're stuck still utilizing Facebook as well as may also welcome the brand-new attributes (since there will certainly be more to come in this battle) with open arms.


Facebook Chat Video


Allow's have a look at the best ways to enable and make use of Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting going

Before you can begin video calling your friends, you will certainly have to enable it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking the green "Get Started" button. You'll after that be triggered to download and run the Java application needed to utilize this attribute. Don't worry, this is a very fast procedure.


Keep in mind: The alternative to use this new attribute is not offered for everybody. When I asked my partner to check out the web page, he was unable to see the green button. It stated that the attribute had not been yet readily available to him. In this case you'll need someone that could access the feature to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and run the Java application.


The best ways to Call A Friend



There are two ways to call your friends.

First Approach

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

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

Second Method

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

If you occur 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 appear if you're authorized into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured made it possible for. So if you don't see a call button, you'll have to utilize the first technique to make sure that they'll be prompted to enable the attribute.

Setup and also Quality

The top quality of the video chat is quite excellent. I've tried Google+ Hangouts too and also I need to admit that the top quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also just weren't nearly as several "hiccups" (i.e. home window cold or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll acknowledge the configuration; there is a tiny window in the top right corner of the main window to ensure that you could see on your own. When you're made with a telephone call, you could just close the home window to finish it.

Here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be enlarged, however this is the smallest dimension. Also at complete display view, the top quality stayed exceptional.


Right 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 might look a little various from mine. The only option available below is to transform the resource of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were even more options. For instance, there is presently no chance to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly should enter into your computer system setups to do this or make use of the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no way to do team video talks-- something that makes sure to find in handy for overtaking multiple friends and family, team jobs, meetings, meetings, as well as extra. For now, you can still make use of Skype for that. Because everyone is already on Facebook and also are not likely to really download and install Skype (if they haven't currently), this is definitely something that ought to be implemented ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do group text chats within the regular chat home window.

Just what are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling feature? Do you assume it's a needed attribute? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or family and friends using at all? Don't hesitate to tell us your thoughts in the comments below.