How to Use Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't listened to, there's most definitely a battle taking place in between Facebook and also Google - and also its only just begun. With all the recent hype and buzz going around the Web regarding Google+, Facebook chose that they needed to do something about it to obtain back right into the spotlight; so they've currently partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - How To Use Video Chat On Facebook.

This suggests that you as well as any of your friends can see each other face-to-face utilizing your webcams and also chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video chatting function called Hangouts, this "brand-new" feature on Facebook appears rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact rather excellent and functions a bit in a different way.

If you resemble me, a lot of your non-tech savvy member of the family as well as non-geeky friends have not also become aware of Google+; if they have actually become aware of it, greater than likely they're not ready to try it out. To ensure that means you're stuck still utilizing Facebook as well as may as well invite the brand-new features (due to the fact that there will most definitely be even more to come in this war) with open arms.

How To Use Video Chat On Facebook

Allow's have a look at how you can enable and also utilize Facebook's new video chat.

Getting Started

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

Keep in mind: The option to utilize this brand-new attribute is not offered for every person. When I asked my other half to check out the web page, he was unable to see the green switch. It mentioned that the function wasn't yet available to him. In this situation you'll need somebody that can access the feature to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered to install as well as run the Java application.

The best ways to Call A Friend

There are 2 ways to call your friends.

First Method

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

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

Second Technique

The various other approach is by clicking the "call" switch on your good friend's profile page. The "call" switch will appear ideal next to the message switch, in the leading right of their account page.

If you take place to call them and they're offline, you'll have the ability 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 technique so that they'll be prompted to allow the attribute.

Setup and also Quality

The top quality of the video chat is rather impressive. I've tried Google+ Hangouts as well and I need to admit that the high quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also weren't virtually as several "hiccups" (i.e. home window freezing or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll acknowledge the configuration; there is a small home window in the leading right corner of the primary window to ensure that you can see on your own. When you're done with a telephone call, you can just close the window to finish it.

Here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the tiniest dimension. Also at complete display view, the high quality continued to be superb.

Here is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your home window may look a little various from mine. The only choice offered below is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).

Final Thoughts

I do want that there were even more alternatives. For instance, there is presently no chance to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly have to enter into your computer setups to do this or use the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no other way to do team video talks-- something that is sure to come in convenient for overtaking several family and friends, team projects, conferences, conferences, as well as a lot more. For now, you could still use Skype for that. Given that everybody is already on Facebook and are not likely to actually download Skype (if they have not already), this is most definitely something that should be implemented ASAP. However, you can do group message chats within the typical chat window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling attribute? Do you assume it's a necessary feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones utilizing in any way? Do not hesitate to tell us your thoughts in the remarks below.

Tweet