How to Use Facebook Video Chat

In case you have not listened to, there's absolutely a war going on in between Facebook and Google - and also its only just started. With all the current buzz as well as buzz going around the Internet concerning Google+, Facebook made a decision that they had to act to get back into the limelight; so they have actually now partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How To Use Facebook Video Chat.

This indicates that you and any one of your friends could see each other face-to-face utilizing your webcams as well as chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "brand-new" feature on Facebook seems instead unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact rather excellent as well as works a little bit in different ways.

If you're like me, the majority of your non-tech savvy member of the family as well as non-geeky friends have actually not even come across Google+; if they have actually become aware of it, more than likely they're not happy to try it out. So that indicates you're stuck still making use of Facebook and also may as well welcome the new functions (because there will absolutely be even more to find in this war) with open arms.


How To Use Facebook Video Chat


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

Getting Started

Prior to you could begin video calling your friends, you will certainly need to enable it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page and clicking the green "Get Started" switch. You'll then be motivated to download and also run the Java application should utilize this function. Don't worry, this is a really quick process.


Keep in mind: The alternative to utilize this brand-new function is not readily available for everyone. When I asked my partner to visit the page, he was unable to see the green switch. It specified that the feature had not been yet readily available to him. In this case you'll need somebody who could access the feature to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated 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 window. This approach lets you call any of your friends.

If they haven't allowed the function, they'll be motivated to do so. If they aren't on the internet, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Approach

The other technique is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's profile page. The "call" button will certainly show up ideal next to the message button, in the leading right of their profile web 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" button will just appear if you're signed right into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the featured made it possible for. So if you don't see a phone call button, you'll need to make use of the initial approach so that they'll be motivated to enable the function.

Setup and Quality

The quality of the video chat is pretty outstanding. I have actually tried Google+ Hangouts also and I need to confess that the quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also weren't nearly as numerous "missteps" (i.e. window cold or hold-ups).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the setup; there is a little window in the leading right edge of the primary home window to make sure that you could see yourself. When you're made with a call, you could just close the window to finish it.

Right here is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the smallest dimension. Also at full display view, the quality remained superb.


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


Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were more alternatives. For instance, there is presently no other way to silence your microphone from the video call home window; so you 'd should enter into your computer settings to do this or utilize the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no way to do group video talks-- something that is sure to come in convenient for overtaking several family and friends, group jobs, seminars, meetings, and also extra. For now, you can still use Skype for that. Considering that everybody is already on Facebook as well as are not likely to really download Skype (if they have not already), this is certainly something that needs to be executed ASAP. However, you can do team message talks within the typical chat home window.

Just what are your ideas on Facebook's brand-new video calling attribute? Do you assume it's a necessary feature? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or loved ones utilizing whatsoever? Feel free to tell us your ideas in the comments listed below.