Facebook Chat Video

In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a battle going on between Facebook and also Google - as well as its only just begun. With all the current buzz as well as buzz walking around the Internet about Google+, Facebook chose that they needed to act to obtain back right into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - Facebook Chat Video.

This indicates that you as well as any one of your friends could see each other in person using your web cams and also chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just emerged with their video chatting attribute called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook seems instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is actually rather excellent and works a little bit in different ways.

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


Facebook Chat Video


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

Getting Started

Prior to you can start video calling your friends, you will should enable 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 then be prompted to download and also run the Java application had to utilize this attribute. Don't worry, this is a really quick procedure.


Keep in mind: The choice to use this new attribute is not available for everyone. When I asked my partner to check out the page, he was not able to see the green switch. It stated that the function had not been yet offered to him. In this instance you'll require someone that can access the function to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and also run the Java application.


How you can Call A Friend



There are two ways to call your friends.

First Approach

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

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

2nd Method

The various other method is by clicking the "call" switch on your friend's account page. The "call" button will certainly appear right beside the message button, in the leading right of their account web page.

If you take place to call them and 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 authorized into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the featured made it possible for. So if you do not see a phone call button, you'll need to utilize the first technique so that they'll be prompted to enable the function.

Setup and also Quality

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

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll recognize the arrangement; there is a tiny window in the top right corner of the main home window to ensure that you can see yourself. When you're done with a phone call, you can just close the home window to finish it.

Below is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be bigger, however this is the smallest dimension. Also at full screen view, the high quality remained superb.


Below is the camera sight with the controls. While I am composing this on Windows, I did examination out the function on the Mac OS. So, your window could look a little various from mine. The only choice readily available right here is to change the resource of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do want that there were more choices. For instance, there is currently no chance to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd should enter into your computer system setups to do this or make use of the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no other way to do group video chats-- something that is sure ahead in convenient for catching up with numerous friends and family, group projects, seminars, conferences, and also more. In the meantime, you could still make use of Skype for that. Given that everybody is currently on Facebook as well as are not likely to in fact download and install Skype (if they haven't currently), this is most definitely something that needs to be carried out ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group message talks within the typical chat window.

What are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling feature? Do you think it's a needed function? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or family and friends utilizing whatsoever? Feel free to inform us your thoughts in the comments below.