How to Use Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a war taking place in between Facebook and Google - and also its only just started. With all the recent hype and buzz going around the Net about Google+, Facebook determined that they should act to obtain back into the spotlight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - How To Use Video Chat On Facebook.

This means that you as well as any of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your web cams and also chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ just emerged with their video talking feature called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook appears instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is really quite excellent and also works a bit differently.

If you're like me, most of your non-tech savvy member of the family and non-geeky friends have actually not even become aware of Google+; if they have read about it, more than likely they're not going to try it out. To ensure that implies you're stuck still utilizing Facebook and also could also invite the brand-new attributes (due to the fact that there will absolutely be even more to come in this war) with open arms.

How To Use Video Chat On Facebook

Allow's have a look at how you can enable and make use of Facebook's new video chat.

Beginning

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

Note: The alternative to use this brand-new attribute is not readily available for every person. When I asked my partner to check out the web page, he was unable to see the green switch. It mentioned that the function had not been yet offered to him. In this situation you'll require a person who can access the feature to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and run the Java application.

How to Call A Friend

There are 2 means to call your friends.

First Technique

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

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

2nd Approach

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

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

Note: The "call" switch will just show up if you're authorized into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the featured allowed. So if you do not see a telephone call switch, you'll need to use the initial method to ensure that they'll be triggered to allow the feature.

Setup and also Quality

The quality of the video chat is quite excellent. I've tried Google+ Hangouts as well as well as I have to admit that the top quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calls. There likewise just weren't almost as many "hiccups" (i.e. window cold or hold-ups).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll recognize the configuration; there is a small window in the leading right edge of the main window to make sure that you can see yourself. Once you're performed with a call, you can just shut the window to finish it.

Below is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be bigger, but this is the smallest size. Even at complete screen view, the quality remained excellent.

Right here 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 could look a little various from mine. The only option readily available here is to transform the resource of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).

Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were more options. For example, there is currently no way to mute your microphone from the video call home window; so you 'd need to enter into your computer system settings to do this or make use of the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no other way to do group video chats-- something that makes sure to find in handy for catching up with numerous friends and family, team tasks, seminars, meetings, as well as much more. For now, you could still make use of Skype for that. Given that everybody is currently on Facebook and are not likely to actually download and install Skype (if they haven't already), this is most definitely something that ought to be applied ASAP. However, you can do team text talks within the normal chat window.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling function? Do you assume it's an essential function? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or family and friends using whatsoever? Feel free to tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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