How to Use Facebook Video Chat

In case you have not heard, there's absolutely a battle taking place in between Facebook as well as Google - and also its only just started. With all the recent hype as well as buzz going around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook decided that they had to take action to get back right into the limelight; so they've currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How To Use Facebook Video Chat.

This means that you and any one of your friends could see each other face-to-face utilizing your webcams and chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "new" attribute on Facebook appears instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact pretty outstanding as well as works a little bit in a different way.

If you're like me, the majority of your non-tech savvy relative and non-geeky friends have actually not also become aware of Google+; if they have become aware of it, more than most likely they're not going to try it out. To ensure that suggests you're stuck still using Facebook and might also invite the brand-new functions (because there will most definitely be more ahead in this battle) with open arms.

How To Use Facebook Video Chat

Allow's take a look at the best ways to enable as well as utilize Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting going

Before you can start video calling your friends, you will 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" switch. You'll then be prompted to download and run the Java application needed to utilize this feature. Don't worry, this is an extremely fast process.

Keep in mind: The alternative to utilize this new attribute is not available for everyone. When I asked my partner to see the web page, he was unable to see the green switch. It mentioned that the feature wasn't yet readily available to him. In this instance you'll require someone who can access the feature to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered to install and run the Java application.

How to Call A Friend

There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Approach

You can enter into a chat 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 made it possible for 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 Technique

The other technique is by clicking the "call" switch on your friend's profile page. The "call" switch will certainly appear best beside the message switch, in the top right of their account web page.

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

Keep in mind: The "call" button will just show up if you're signed into Facebook chat and if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you do not see a telephone call switch, you'll need to utilize the initial technique to ensure that they'll be motivated to make it possible for the attribute.

Setup and also Quality

The top quality of the video chat is quite impressive. I have actually attempted Google+ Hangouts also and I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also just weren't almost as lots of "hiccups" (i.e. window freezing or delays).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the arrangement; there is a little home window in the top right corner of the major window to ensure that you can see on your own. As soon as you're performed with a call, you could simply shut the home window to finish it.

Right here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the tiniest size. Even at full display view, the high quality continued to be excellent.

Below is the camera sight with the controls. While I am creating this on Windows, I did examination out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your home window might look a little various from mine. The only alternative offered below is to change the resource of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).

Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were even more options. As an example, there is currently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly have to enter into your computer settings to do this or use the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no chance to do team video talks-- something that makes certain ahead in handy for overtaking multiple loved ones, group jobs, meetings, conferences, and also extra. For now, you could still utilize Skype for that. Given that everybody is currently on Facebook and also are not most likely to in fact download and install Skype (if they have not already), this is certainly something that must be applied ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team message talks within the typical chat window.

Just what are your ideas on Facebook's brand-new video calling attribute? Do you believe it's a necessary attribute? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or friends and family utilizing whatsoever? Feel free to inform us your thoughts in the remarks below.

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