Video Chat for Facebook

In case you have not heard, there's most definitely a battle taking place between Facebook and Google - and also its only just started. With all the recent buzz and buzz walking around the Web about Google+, Facebook chose that they needed to take action to obtain back into the spotlight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Video Chat For Facebook.

This suggests that you as well as any one of your friends could see each other face-to-face using your web cams as well as chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "brand-new" attribute on Facebook appears instead unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is in fact quite remarkable as well as works a little bit differently.

If you resemble me, the majority of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have actually not even heard of Google+; if they have heard about it, greater than likely they're not willing to try it out. To make sure that suggests you're stuck still using Facebook and also may too welcome the brand-new attributes (because there will absolutely be even more to come in this battle) with open arms.


Video Chat For Facebook


Let's have a look at how to allow and also use Facebook's new video chat.

Getting Started

Prior to you could begin video calling your friends, you will 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 motivated to download as well as run the Java application had to utilize this function. Don't worry, this is a very fast process.


Keep in mind: The alternative to utilize this new attribute is not readily available for every person. When I asked my husband to see the web page, he was unable to see the green switch. It stated that the feature had not been yet readily available to him. In this situation you'll require a person that could access the feature to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered to install and run the Java application.


The best ways to Call A Friend



There are 2 means to call your friends.

First Approach

You can go into a conversation home window and 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 function, they'll be triggered to do so. If they aren't online, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Method

The other method is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's profile page. The "call" switch will show up ideal next to the message switch, in the top right of their profile web page.

If you occur to call them as well as they're offline, you'll be able to leave a video message.


Keep in mind: The "call" button will only appear if you're signed into Facebook chat and if that friend has the featured allowed. So if you don't see a call button, you'll need to make use of the first technique to ensure that they'll be triggered to allow the attribute.

Setup and Quality

The high quality of the video chat is pretty remarkable. I've tried Google+ Hangouts as well and also I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calling. There additionally weren't virtually as several "hiccups" (i.e. window freezing or hold-ups).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the setup; there is a small home window in the leading right corner of the major home window to ensure that you can see on your own. Once you're finished with a phone call, you can simply close the window to finish it.

Below is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be enlarged, but this is the tiniest size. Even at full display sight, the quality remained exceptional.


Below is the camera view with the controls. While I am composing this on Windows, I did test out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your home window might look a little various from mine. The only option available here is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were more alternatives. As an example, there is currently no chance to mute your microphone from the video call home window; so you would certainly should 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 presently no other way to do group video talks-- something that is sure to come in convenient for catching up with numerous friends and family, group jobs, conferences, meetings, and also more. For now, you can still make use of Skype for that. Given that everybody is already on Facebook as well as are not most likely to really download Skype (if they haven't currently), this is definitely something that ought to be applied ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team message chats within the typical chat window.

Exactly what are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling function? Do you think it's a needed attribute? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or loved ones utilizing in any way? Do not hesitate to tell us your thoughts in the comments below.