How to Video Chat On Facebook

In case you have not listened to, there's definitely a war taking place between Facebook and also Google - and its only just begun. With all the recent buzz and buzz going around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook decided that they needed to take action to get back into the limelight; so they have actually now partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How To Video Chat On Facebook.

This implies that you as well as any one of your friends can see each other face-to-face using your web cams and also chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video chatting attribute called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook seems instead unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is really rather excellent and also functions a bit in a different way.

If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy member of the family and non-geeky friends have actually not also heard of Google+; if they have actually read about it, more than likely they're not happy to try it out. So that indicates you're stuck still using Facebook and also may as well invite the brand-new attributes (since there will absolutely be even more to come in this battle) with open arms.



How To Video Chat On Facebook


Allow's take a look at ways to make it possible for and also utilize Facebook's new video chat.

Beginning

Before 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 and also clicking the green "Get Started" switch. You'll then be prompted to download and install and run the Java application had to use this function. Don't worry, this is a very quick process.



Keep in mind: The choice to use this new feature is not readily available for every person. When I asked my other half to check out the web page, he was not able to see the green switch. It stated that the feature wasn't yet readily available to him. In this case you'll need someone who can access the function to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and also run the Java application.



Ways to Call A Friend




There are two ways to call your friends.

First Technique

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

If they haven't allowed the attribute, they'll be motivated to do so. If they typically aren't on-line, you'll be able to leave them a video message.

Second Technique

The various other method is by clicking the "call" switch on your buddy's account web page. The "call" switch will certainly appear appropriate alongside the message button, in the top right of their profile page.

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



Note: The "call" switch will just appear if you're signed into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you do not see a telephone call switch, you'll have to utilize the very first approach so that they'll be motivated to allow the feature.

Setup and also Quality

The quality of the video chat is pretty impressive. I have actually attempted Google+ Hangouts as well and I need to admit that the quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There additionally weren't virtually as many "hiccups" (i.e. window freezing or delays).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the setup; there is a small home window in the leading right edge of the major window to ensure that you could see yourself. When you're performed with a telephone call, you could simply close the window to end it.

Here is the camera view without the controls. The home window can be bigger, but this is the smallest dimension. Even at complete screen view, the top quality stayed exceptional.



Below is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination 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 source of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).



Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were even more alternatives. For instance, there is presently no way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly have to go into your computer system settings 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 way to do team video chats-- something that makes sure to find in handy for catching up with several family and friends, group tasks, conferences, meetings, and also more. For now, you could still utilize Skype for that. Considering that everybody is currently on Facebook and also are not likely to actually download and install Skype (if they haven't currently), this is absolutely something that should be implemented ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do group message chats within the normal chat home window.

Just what are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling feature? Do you believe it's a required feature? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or family and friends using at all? Do not hesitate to inform us your thoughts in the comments listed below.