How to Facebook Video Chat

In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a war taking place in between Facebook and Google - as well as its only just started. With all the recent buzz and also buzz going around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook decided that they had to do something about it to get back right into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - How To Facebook Video Chat.

This suggests that you and any of your friends could see each other in person utilizing your cams as well as chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video chatting function called Hangouts, this "new" attribute on Facebook seems rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact rather remarkable and also functions a little bit in different ways.

If you're like me, most of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have actually not even come across Google+; if they have actually read about it, greater than most likely they're not ready to try it out. So that suggests you're stuck still making use of Facebook and might too welcome the brand-new attributes (since there will most definitely be even more to find in this war) with open arms.

How To Facebook Video Chat

Let's have a look at how you can make it possible for and also use Facebook's new video chat.

Getting going

Prior to you could start video calling your friends, you will have to allow 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 motivated to download and run the Java application had to utilize this attribute. Don't worry, this is a really fast process.

Keep in mind: The alternative to utilize this brand-new attribute is not available for everyone. When I asked my hubby to visit the web page, he was not able to see the green button. It specified that the function wasn't yet available to him. In this case you'll need a person that can access the function to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered to install and also run the Java application.

The best ways to Call A Friend

There are 2 methods to call your friends.

First Method

You could enter into a chat window and also 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 have not allowed the function, they'll be triggered to do so. If they typically aren't on the internet, you'll be able to leave them a video message.

2nd Method

The other approach is by clicking the "call" switch on your buddy's profile page. The "call" button will certainly show up best next to the message switch, in the top right of their account page.

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

Keep in mind: The "call" button will only appear if you're authorized into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you do not see a call switch, you'll need to make use of the very first technique to ensure that they'll be prompted to allow the attribute.

Setup and Quality

The top quality of the video chat is very impressive. I've tried Google+ Hangouts as well and I need to confess that the top quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calls. There additionally weren't almost as several "hiccups" (i.e. window cold or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the configuration; there is a small window in the top right edge of the main home window so that you can see yourself. As soon as you're finished with a telephone call, you could just shut the window to end it.

Here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the tiniest size. Even at complete screen sight, the quality remained superb.

Below is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your window may look a little different from mine. The only option offered here is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).

Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were even more choices. For instance, there is presently no way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly should enter into your computer setups to do this or make use of the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no chance to do team video chats-- something that makes certain to come in handy for catching up with multiple friends and family, team tasks, meetings, meetings, and more. In the meantime, you could still use Skype for that. Because every person is currently on Facebook and are not most likely to in fact download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is most definitely something that needs to be applied ASAP. However, you can do team message talks within the typical chat home window.

Just what are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling feature? Do you think it's a required attribute? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or family and friends making use of whatsoever? Do not hesitate to tell us your ideas in the remarks listed below.

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