Video Chat for Facebook

In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a war taking place between Facebook and Google - and its only just started. With all the recent hype and also buzz walking around the Net regarding Google+, Facebook determined that they had to take action to get back right into the spotlight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - Video Chat for Facebook.

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

If you resemble me, the majority of your non-tech savvy family members as well as non-geeky friends have actually not even come across Google+; if they have read about it, greater than likely they're not ready to try it out. To make sure that means you're stuck still making use of Facebook and may too invite the new features (due to the fact that there will most definitely be more to come in this war) with open arms.

Video Chat for Facebook

Let's take a look at the best ways to enable and also utilize Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Beginning

Prior to you could start 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 on the green "Get Started" button. You'll then be prompted to download and also run the Java application should use this feature. Don't worry, this is a very fast process.

Keep in mind: The option to use this brand-new feature is not offered for everybody. When I asked my partner to see the page, he was unable to see the green switch. It mentioned that the attribute wasn't yet offered to him. In this instance you'll require somebody that could access the function to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and also run the Java application.

How to Call A Friend

There are two means to call your friends.

First Method

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

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

2nd Approach

The various other approach is by clicking the "call" button on your pal's account page. The "call" switch will certainly show up appropriate beside the message switch, in the top right of their account web page.

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

Note: The "call" switch will just appear if you're authorized into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the highlighted made it possible for. So if you do not see a call button, you'll need to make use of the initial method to make sure that they'll be prompted to make it possible for the attribute.

Setup and Quality

The top quality of the video chat is pretty outstanding. I have actually tried Google+ Hangouts too and I need to confess that the high quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also weren't almost as many "missteps" (i.e. home window freezing or delays).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll acknowledge the setup; there is a tiny window in the top right corner of the primary home window to make sure that you can see on your own. When you're finished with a telephone call, you can just shut the home window to end it.

Right here is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be enlarged, yet this is the tiniest dimension. Also at complete display sight, the quality remained outstanding.

Right here is the camera view with the controls. While I am creating this on Windows, I did examination out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your window might look a little different from mine. The only alternative available below is to alter the resource of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).

Final Thoughts

I do want that there were more alternatives. For instance, there is presently no way to mute your microphone from the video call home window; so you would certainly have to go into your computer system settings to do this or use the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no chance to do group video talks-- something that makes sure to find in helpful for overtaking several loved ones, group jobs, meetings, meetings, and also extra. In the meantime, you can still make use of Skype for that. Given that everybody is currently on Facebook and also are not likely to actually download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is definitely something that ought to be implemented ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team message chats within the regular chat home window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling function? Do you assume it's a needed feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or friends and family using at all? Do not hesitate to tell us your ideas in the comments listed below.

Tweet