How to Use Facebook Video Chat

In case you have not heard, there's most definitely a war taking place between Facebook and also Google - and its only just started. With all the recent buzz and also buzz going around the Internet about Google+, Facebook made a decision that they had to do something about it to obtain back right into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How to Use Facebook Video Chat.

This suggests that you as well as any of your friends can see each other in person using your webcams and chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "new" feature on Facebook appears rather unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is really very excellent as well as works a little bit in different ways.

If you resemble me, a lot of your non-tech savvy member of the family and also non-geeky friends have not also heard of Google+; if they have found out about it, more than likely they're not going to try it out. To ensure that indicates you're stuck still making use of Facebook and might also welcome the new functions (due to the fact that there will absolutely be even more to come in this war) with open arms.



How to Use Facebook Video Chat


Let's have a look at how you can allow and also make use of Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Starting

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" switch. You'll then be prompted to download and install as well as run the Java application needed to use this attribute. Don't worry, this is an extremely fast process.



Note: The alternative to use this brand-new feature is not offered for every person. When I asked my other half to go to the web page, he was unable to see the green switch. It stated that the function wasn't yet offered to him. In this case you'll require someone that can access the function to initiate 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 ways to call your friends.

First Technique

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

If they have not made it possible for the function, they'll be triggered to do so. If they aren't on the internet, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

2nd Technique

The various other method is by clicking the "call" button on your friend's account page. The "call" button will show up appropriate next to the message button, 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.



Note: The "call" switch will just appear if you're signed into Facebook chat and if that friend has the highlighted allowed. So if you don't see a call switch, you'll have to make use of the first technique to ensure that they'll be triggered to make it possible for the feature.

Setup as well as Quality

The high quality of the video chat is quite remarkable. I have actually attempted Google+ Hangouts too and I have to admit that the top quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also weren't nearly as lots of "missteps" (i.e. home 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 corner of the major window to ensure that you could see on your own. As soon as you're finished with a call, you can just close the window to end it.

Right here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be bigger, yet this is the tiniest size. Even at complete screen view, the high quality remained excellent.



Here 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 could look a little various from mine. The only choice available here is to transform the resource of your microphone (i.e. net or headset).



Final Thoughts

I do want that there were more alternatives. For example, there is currently no chance to silence your microphone from the video call home window; so you would certainly need to enter into your computer setups to do this or use the mute button on your headset (if it has one).

Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no chance to do group video chats-- something that makes certain to find in useful for catching up with numerous friends and family, group jobs, seminars, conferences, and also a lot more. In the meantime, you could still make use of Skype for that. Given that every person is already on Facebook as well as are not most likely to actually download Skype (if they have not currently), this is most definitely something that must be carried out ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do team text chats within the typical chat window.

Just what are your ideas on Facebook's brand-new video calling function? Do you believe it's a required function? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or friends and family using in any way? Don't hesitate to tell us your ideas in the remarks listed below.