How to Facebook Video Chat | Update

In case you haven't heard, there's certainly a battle going on between Facebook as well as Google - as well as its only just started. With all the recent buzz and also buzz walking around the Web concerning Google+, Facebook determined that they needed to take action to obtain back into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - How To Facebook Video Chat.

This implies that you and also any one of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your webcams and chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ just emerged with their video chatting function called Hangouts, this "brand-new" attribute on Facebook seems instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is actually pretty excellent and also works a bit differently.

If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have not even come across Google+; if they have become aware of it, greater than likely they're not happy to try it out. So that suggests you're stuck still utilizing Facebook as well as might as well invite the new functions (since there will absolutely be even more to find in this war) with open arms.

How To Facebook Video Chat

Let's have a look at ways to make it possible for as well as utilize Facebook's new video chat.

Getting going

Prior to you could start 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" switch. You'll then be motivated to download and run the Java application needed to utilize this function. Don't worry, this is a very fast process.

Note: The choice to utilize this new feature is not offered for everyone. When I asked my partner to go to the web page, he was not able to see the green switch. It stated that the feature had not been yet available to him. In this instance you'll need someone that could access the function to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and also run the Java application.

The best ways to Call A Friend

There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Method

You could go into a chat home window and also click the camera icon from the top bar of the home window. This technique allows you call any of your friends.

If they have not enabled the feature, they'll be prompted to do so. If they typically aren't on-line, you'll be able to leave them a video message.

Second Approach

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

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

Keep in mind: The "call" button will just appear if you're signed right into Facebook chat and if that friend has the highlighted allowed. So if you don't see a telephone call switch, you'll need to use the first method so that they'll be motivated to make it possible for the attribute.

Setup and Quality

The high quality of the video chat is rather outstanding. I've tried Google+ Hangouts also as well as I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also weren't almost as several "missteps" (i.e. home window cold or delays).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll identify the setup; there is a little home window in the leading right corner of the main home window so that you can see on your own. Once you're made with a call, you can just shut the window to end it.

Here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the smallest size. Also at complete screen view, the top quality continued to be excellent.

Here is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did test out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your window might look a little various from mine. The only choice readily available here is to transform the resource of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).

Final Thoughts

I do want that there were even more options. As an example, there is currently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call home window; so you 'd need to enter into your computer system settings to do this or utilize the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Additionally, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no way to do team video chats-- something that is sure to find in handy for overtaking several friends and family, group jobs, meetings, conferences, and also much more. For now, you can still make use of Skype for that. Because every person is currently on Facebook and also are not most likely to really download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is absolutely something that ought to be implemented ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do team message talks within the typical chat home window.

What are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you believe it's a required feature? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or family and friends utilizing in all? Do not hesitate to inform us your ideas in the comments listed below.

Tweet