How to Use Facebook Video Chat

In case you have not heard, there's most definitely a battle going on in between Facebook as well as Google - as well as its only just started. With all the current hype and also buzz walking around the Web concerning Google+, Facebook determined that they needed to act to get back into the spotlight; so they have actually now partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - How to Use Facebook Video Chat.

This means that you as well as any of your friends could see each other face-to-face utilizing your web cams and chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook seems rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is in fact pretty remarkable and also functions a little bit in a different way.

If you resemble me, most of your non-tech savvy relative and also non-geeky friends have not even come across Google+; if they have read about it, more than likely they're not willing to try it out. So that means you're stuck still utilizing Facebook as well as might as well welcome the brand-new features (since there will most definitely be more ahead in this battle) with open arms.

How to Use Facebook Video Chat

Allow's have a look at how you can allow and make use of Facebook's new video chat.

Beginning

Before you can begin video calling your friends, you will certainly have to allow it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking the green "Get Started" button. You'll then be prompted to download and install and also run the Java application had to use this feature. Don't worry, this is an extremely quick process.

Note: The alternative to utilize this new function is not available for everyone. When I asked my husband to go to the web page, he was unable to see the green switch. It mentioned that the feature had not been yet offered to him. In this instance you'll need someone that can access the attribute 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 ways to call your friends.

First Approach

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

If they haven't made it possible for the feature, they'll be motivated to do so. If they typically aren't on the internet, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

Second Method

The various other method is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's profile web page. The "call" switch will show up right alongside the message button, in the leading right of their profile web page.

If you happen to call them and also they're offline, you'll have the ability to leave a video message.

Keep in mind: The "call" switch will just appear if you're signed right into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured enabled. So if you do not see a call button, you'll need to use the first method so that they'll be prompted to enable the feature.

Setup and Quality

The top quality of the video chat is quite remarkable. I have actually attempted Google+ Hangouts as well and also I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also just weren't almost as several "hiccups" (i.e. window freezing or hold-ups).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll identify the arrangement; there is a small window in the top right edge of the main home window to ensure that you could see on your own. Once you're performed with a phone call, you could simply shut the window to end it.

Below is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be enlarged, however this is the smallest dimension. Even at full screen view, the top quality continued to be excellent.

Right here is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your window might look a little various from mine. The only option offered below is to transform the resource of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).

Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were more options. For instance, there is presently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call home window; so you 'd have to enter 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 presently no other way to do team video chats-- something that makes certain ahead in useful for overtaking multiple friends and family, team projects, conferences, conferences, and also more. In the meantime, you could still utilize Skype for that. Considering that everybody is currently on Facebook as well as are not likely to in fact download Skype (if they haven't currently), this is absolutely something that should be carried out ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team text talks within the regular chat window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling function? Do you believe it's a needed feature? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or loved ones using at all? Don't hesitate to inform us your thoughts in the remarks below.

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