How to Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't heard, there's absolutely a battle going on in between Facebook and also Google - and its only just started. With all the current hype and buzz walking around the Net regarding Google+, Facebook determined that they had to take action to get back into the spotlight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - How To Facebook Video Chat.

This indicates that you and any of your friends could see each other in person using your web cams and also chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video chatting attribute called Hangouts, this "new" feature on Facebook seems rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is actually quite remarkable and also works a bit in different ways.

If you're like me, most of your non-tech savvy relative and non-geeky friends have actually not even heard of Google+; if they have heard about it, more than most likely they're not willing to try it out. So that suggests you're stuck still making use of Facebook and also could too welcome the new features (because there will absolutely be more ahead in this war) with open arms.


How To Facebook Video Chat


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

Getting Started

Prior to you could start video calling your friends, you will should allow it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page and clicking the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be prompted to download and install as well as run the Java application needed to use this feature. Don't worry, this is an extremely quick process.


Note: The option to utilize this new feature is not available for everyone. When I asked my partner to see the page, he was unable to see the green switch. It stated that the function wasn't yet readily available to him. In this case you'll need someone who could access the function to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and run the Java application.


How to Call A Friend



There are two ways to call your friends.

First Approach

You can enter into a conversation window and click the camera icon from the top bar of the home window. This technique allows you call any one of your friends.

If they haven't enabled the attribute, they'll be triggered to do so. If they aren't on-line, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Approach

The other method is by clicking the "call" button on your close friend's profile web page. The "call" button will certainly show up ideal beside the message button, in the top right of their account web page.

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


Note: The "call" button will just show up if you're signed into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you do not see a telephone call button, you'll have to utilize the initial approach to make sure that they'll be prompted to allow the function.

Setup and Quality

The top quality of the video chat is very impressive. I've attempted Google+ Hangouts too as well as I need to confess that the top quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also weren't almost as many "hiccups" (i.e. home window freezing or hold-ups).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the configuration; there is a small home window in the top right edge of the primary home window so that you can see on your own. As soon as you're made with a phone call, you could simply close the window to end it.

Right here is the camera view without the controls. The home window can be enlarged, but this is the tiniest dimension. Even at full display view, the high quality stayed outstanding.


Below is the camera sight with the controls. While I am creating this on Windows, I did test out the function on the Mac OS. So, your home window may look a little various from mine. The only alternative readily available here is to alter the resource of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were even more alternatives. For instance, there is currently no chance to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly should go 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 other way to do group video talks-- something that makes sure to find in convenient for overtaking several family and friends, team projects, meetings, meetings, and a lot more. In the meantime, you can still use Skype for that. Because everyone is already on Facebook as well as are not likely to actually download and install Skype (if they have not already), this is definitely something that must be implemented ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group message chats within the regular chat window.

What are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you assume it's a required function? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or loved ones making use of in any way? Feel free to inform us your thoughts in the comments listed below.