How to Use Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't heard, there's certainly a battle taking place between Facebook and Google - and also its only just begun. With all the recent buzz as well as buzz walking around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook decided that they had to act to get back right into the spotlight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How to Use Facebook Video Chat.

This means that you and any of your friends could see each other face-to-face using your web cams and also chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "new" attribute on Facebook appears instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is really rather excellent and functions a little bit differently.

If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy relative as well as non-geeky friends have actually not even come across Google+; if they have become aware of it, greater than most likely they're not going to try it out. To make sure that indicates you're stuck still using Facebook and also might too welcome the new functions (due to the fact that there will definitely be even more to find in this war) with open arms.


How to Use Facebook Video Chat


Let's have a look at how you can enable and utilize Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting Started

Prior to you can start video calling your friends, you will need to allow 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 motivated to download as well as run the Java application had to use this feature. Don't worry, this is an extremely fast process.


Note: The alternative to utilize this brand-new attribute is not readily available for every person. When I asked my husband to see the page, he was not able to see the green button. It stated that the function had not been yet offered to him. In this situation you'll require someone that can access the function to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install as well as run the Java application.


The best ways to Call A Friend



There are two ways to call your friends.

First Technique

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

If they have not allowed the feature, they'll be motivated to do so. If they typically aren't online, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Method

The various other technique is by clicking the "call" button on your pal's profile web page. The "call" button will certainly appear right alongside the message switch, in the leading right of their profile web page.

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


Keep in mind: The "call" button will just show up if you're signed right into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you do not see a call button, you'll have to use the first method to ensure that they'll be prompted to make it possible for the feature.

Setup as well as Quality

The high quality of the video chat is rather outstanding. I've attempted Google+ Hangouts as well as well as I have to admit that the quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calling. There likewise just weren't almost as many "missteps" (i.e. window cold or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll identify the arrangement; there is a small home window in the top right edge of the main window to make sure that you can see yourself. When you're performed with a telephone call, you could just close the home window to end it.

Right here is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be enlarged, however this is the smallest size. Also at full display view, the high quality stayed superb.


Right here is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing 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 below is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do want that there were even more alternatives. As an example, there is presently no way to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly need to go 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 currently no chance to do group video talks-- something that makes sure to find in handy for overtaking several friends and family, group tasks, seminars, meetings, and much more. For now, you could still use Skype for that. Considering that everybody is already on Facebook as well as are not likely to in fact download Skype (if they haven't currently), this is most definitely something that must be executed ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do team message talks within the typical chat window.

Just what are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling feature? Do you assume it's a necessary feature? 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 ideas in the remarks below.