Video Chat for Facebook

In case you haven't listened to, there's most definitely a war taking place between Facebook and Google - and also its only just begun. With all the current hype as well as buzz walking around the Web regarding Google+, Facebook decided that they had to do something about it to get back into the spotlight; so they have actually now partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Video Chat For Facebook.

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

If you resemble me, the majority of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have not also heard of Google+; if they have actually become aware of it, greater than most likely they're not willing to try it out. So that implies you're stuck still making use of Facebook as well as may too welcome the new features (since there will absolutely be more to come in this battle) with open arms.


Video Chat For Facebook


Allow's have a look at ways to allow and also utilize Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting Started

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" button. You'll then be prompted to download and install and run the Java application needed to utilize this function. Don't worry, this is a really quick procedure.


Note: The choice to utilize this brand-new function is not readily available for everybody. When I asked my partner to check out the web page, he was unable to see the green button. It specified that the feature had not been yet offered to him. In this case you'll need someone who could access the attribute to launch 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 two methods to call your friends.

First Approach

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

If they have not made it possible for the attribute, they'll be triggered to do so. If they aren't online, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Technique

The other method is by clicking the "call" button on your good friend's profile web page. The "call" switch will show up appropriate next to the message switch, in the top 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.


Keep in mind: The "call" switch will only appear if you're authorized into Facebook chat and if that friend has the featured allowed. So if you don't see a phone call switch, you'll need to use the initial approach to ensure that they'll be prompted to make it possible for the feature.

Setup and also Quality

The top quality of the video chat is very impressive. I've tried Google+ Hangouts too and also I have to admit that the high quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also weren't nearly as many "missteps" (i.e. home window freezing or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll acknowledge the arrangement; there is a little home window in the top right corner of the main home window to make sure that you could see on your own. As soon as you're done with a call, you could simply shut the window to finish it.

Right here is the camera view without the controls. The home window can be enlarged, yet this is the tiniest dimension. Even at full screen view, the quality stayed exceptional.


Here is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did test out the function on the Mac OS. So, your window may look a little different from mine. The only alternative offered right here is to transform the source of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were more alternatives. For example, there is currently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd have to go into your computer 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 talks-- something that is sure ahead in convenient for overtaking numerous loved ones, team tasks, conferences, meetings, and more. In the meantime, you could still utilize Skype for that. Because everybody is currently on Facebook and also are not most likely to in fact download Skype (if they have not currently), this is most definitely something that should be executed ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do group text chats within the normal chat home window.

Exactly what are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you think it's a necessary attribute? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or family and friends utilizing whatsoever? Do not hesitate to tell us your ideas in the remarks listed below.