Can You Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't listened to, there's certainly a battle taking place between Facebook and also Google - and also its only just started. With all the recent hype and buzz going around the Net regarding Google+, Facebook decided that they had to act to get back into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - Can You Video Chat On Facebook.

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

If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy relative and non-geeky friends have not also heard of Google+; if they have found out about it, greater than most likely they're not going to try it out. So that suggests you're stuck still making use of Facebook as well as might as well invite the brand-new functions (since there will definitely be even more to come in this battle) with open arms.


Can You Video Chat On Facebook


Let's take a look at how to enable as well as use Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting Started

Prior to you could begin video calling your friends, you will need to allow it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll then be triggered to download as well as run the Java application had to use this feature. Don't worry, this is an extremely quick process.


Keep in mind: The alternative to use this new attribute is not readily available for everybody. When I asked my hubby to go to the page, he was not able to see the green switch. It mentioned that the feature wasn't yet offered to him. In this instance you'll require someone that could access the attribute to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and run the Java application.


The best ways to Call A Friend



There are two methods to call your friends.

First Approach

You could go into a chat home window as well as click on the camera symbol from the top bar of the window. This technique lets you call any one of your friends.

If they haven't made it possible for the feature, they'll be motivated to do so. If they aren't on-line, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Method

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

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


Note: The "call" switch will just appear if you're signed into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the featured allowed. So if you don't see a call switch, you'll have to utilize the first method so that they'll be prompted to enable the function.

Setup and Quality

The quality of the video chat is pretty impressive. I've attempted Google+ Hangouts as well as well as I need to confess that the high quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calls. There likewise just weren't almost as lots of "missteps" (i.e. home window cold or delays).

If you've done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll acknowledge the setup; there is a tiny home window in the leading right edge of the main window to ensure that you can see yourself. As soon as you're done with a phone call, you can simply close the window to finish it.

Right here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be enlarged, yet this is the tiniest size. Even at complete display view, the quality stayed outstanding.


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


Final Thoughts

I do wish that there were even more options. For example, there is currently no way to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly have to enter into your computer system setups 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 team video chats-- something that is sure to come in handy for overtaking several friends and family, group tasks, seminars, conferences, as well as much more. For now, you could still use Skype for that. Considering that everyone is currently on Facebook as well as are not likely to in fact download and install Skype (if they have not currently), this is most definitely something that ought to be executed ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group text talks within the normal chat home window.

Exactly what are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling attribute? Do you assume it's a needed function? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or family and friends making use of whatsoever? Do not hesitate to inform us your ideas in the remarks listed below.