Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't listened to, there's certainly a battle going on between Facebook as well as Google - and also its only just started. With all the current hype and also buzz walking around the Internet about Google+, Facebook decided that they should take action to obtain back into the spotlight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Facebook Video Chat.

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

If you resemble me, a lot of your non-tech savvy member of the family as well as non-geeky friends have actually not also heard of Google+; if they have actually become aware of it, more than most likely they're not happy to try it out. So that implies you're stuck still using Facebook and might as well welcome the brand-new attributes (due to the fact that there will certainly be more to find in this battle) with open arms.


Facebook Video Chat


Allow's have a look at how you can make it possible for and also utilize Facebook's new video chat.

Getting Started

Before you can start video calling your friends, you will certainly need to allow it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page and also clicking on the green "Get Started" button. You'll after that be prompted to download and install as well as run the Java application had to use this function. Don't worry, this is a very quick process.


Note: The alternative to use this new feature is not available for every person. When I asked my hubby to go to the web page, he was not able to see the green switch. It stated that the attribute wasn't yet available to him. In this instance you'll require a person that could access the feature to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and also run the Java application.


How to Call A Friend



There are 2 means to call your friends.

First Method

You can go into a chat window and also click on the camera icon from the top bar of the window. This approach allows you call any one of your friends.

If they have not allowed 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 various other approach is by clicking the "call" switch on your buddy's account web page. The "call" switch will certainly show up right alongside the message switch, in the leading right of their profile web 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 only appear if you're signed into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured allowed. So if you do not see a telephone call switch, you'll have to use the very first method to ensure that they'll be motivated to enable the function.

Setup and Quality

The top quality of the video chat is rather excellent. I have actually tried Google+ Hangouts also as well as I need to admit that the quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calling. There likewise weren't virtually as numerous "hiccups" (i.e. window cold or delays).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll identify the arrangement; there is a little home window in the top right corner of the main window to make sure that you can see on your own. Once you're performed with a phone call, you can simply close the window to end it.

Below is the camera view without the controls. The home window can be bigger, however this is the smallest dimension. Also at full display view, the top quality continued to be exceptional.


Below is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did test out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your window could look a little various from mine. The only alternative available below is to alter the resource of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were more choices. For example, there is presently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd have to go into your computer system settings to do this or use the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Additionally, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no way to do group video talks-- something that is sure ahead in handy for overtaking several loved ones, team jobs, conferences, conferences, and extra. For now, you can still use Skype for that. Since every person is currently on Facebook as well as are not most likely to actually download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is certainly something that needs to be executed ASAP. However, you can do group text chats within the regular chat home window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you assume it's a necessary feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or friends and family making use of at all? Do not hesitate to tell us your thoughts in the remarks listed below.