How to Use Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't heard, there's certainly a battle going on in between Facebook and also Google - and also its only just begun. With all the recent buzz and buzz walking around the Web about Google+, Facebook decided that they should do something about it to get back into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - How To Use Video Chat On Facebook.

This means that you as well as any one of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your cams and also chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just emerged with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook seems instead unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact quite impressive and also functions a little bit differently.

If you resemble me, a lot of your non-tech savvy relative as well as non-geeky friends have not even come across Google+; if they have become aware of it, more than likely they're not happy to try it out. So that means you're stuck still making use of Facebook and could also welcome the new features (due to the fact that there will certainly be more ahead in this battle) with open arms.


How To Use Video Chat On Facebook


Let's take a look at the best ways to make it possible for and also make use of Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting going

Prior to you can start 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 on the green "Get Started" button. You'll then be prompted to download and install and run the Java application had to utilize this feature. Don't worry, this is a really fast procedure.


Note: The option to utilize this brand-new feature is not available for everybody. When I asked my hubby to go to the page, he was unable to see the green switch. It specified that the function wasn't yet available to him. In this situation you'll need somebody that could access the attribute to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install as well as run the Java application.


How to Call A Friend



There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Technique

You can enter into a chat window as well as click on the camera symbol from the top bar of the home window. This technique allows you call any one 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 online, you'll be able to leave them a video message.

Second Technique

The various other method is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's profile page. The "call" switch will certainly appear appropriate next to the message switch, in the leading right of their profile page.

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


Keep in mind: The "call" switch will only show up if you're authorized right into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured enabled. So if you do not see a phone call button, you'll have to use the first method so that they'll be triggered to make it possible for the feature.

Setup as well as Quality

The top quality of the video chat is rather excellent. I have actually tried Google+ Hangouts as well and also I need to confess that the top quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also weren't virtually as numerous "hiccups" (i.e. window freezing or delays).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll acknowledge the arrangement; there is a small window in the leading right corner of the primary window so that you could see yourself. As soon as you're done with a call, you could simply close the window to end it.

Here is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be enlarged, but this is the smallest size. Even at full screen sight, the top quality remained excellent.


Here is the camera view with the controls. While I am composing this on Windows, I did test out the function on the Mac OS. So, your window might look a little different from mine. The only alternative available below is to alter the source of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were even more options. As an example, there is presently no way to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd need to go into your computer system settings to do this or use the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no way to do team video talks-- something that is sure to find in helpful for overtaking numerous family and friends, team tasks, meetings, meetings, and also extra. In the meantime, you can still use Skype for that. Since everyone is already on Facebook and are not likely to in fact download Skype (if they have not currently), this is certainly something that should be carried out ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group message talks within the typical chat window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you assume it's an essential function? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones using in any way? Do not hesitate to tell us your ideas in the comments below.