In case you haven't listened to, there's absolutely a war taking place in between Facebook as well as Google - as well as its only just started. With all the recent hype as well as buzz walking around the Internet regarding Google+, Facebook determined that they had to do something about it to get back into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Video Chat On Facebook.
This means that you and any of your friends can see each other in person using your cams as well as chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "brand-new" function on Facebook appears instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is really rather impressive and functions a little bit in a different way.
If you're like me, the majority of your non-tech savvy member of the family and also non-geeky friends have actually not even become aware of Google+; if they have actually become aware of it, greater than most likely they're not willing to try it out. So that suggests you're stuck still using Facebook as well as could also invite the brand-new features (because there will most definitely be more to find in this war) with open arms.
Video Chat On Facebook
Allow's take a look at the best ways to make it possible for and also utilize Facebook's new video chat.
Starting
Before you can begin video calling your friends, you will should enable it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be triggered to download as well as run the Java application had to use this feature. Don't worry, this is a really fast process.
Keep in mind: The choice to utilize this new feature is not available for every person. When I asked my hubby to see the page, he was not able to see the green button. It specified that the feature wasn't yet readily available to him. In this instance you'll require someone that could access the feature to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered to install and run the Java application.
Ways to Call A Friend
There are two means to call your friends.
First Method
You could go into a chat window and click on the camera icon from the top bar of the home window. This approach lets you call any of your friends.
If they haven't enabled the attribute, they'll be triggered to do so. If they aren't online, you'll be able to leave them a video message.
2nd Approach
The other method is by clicking the "call" button on your good friend's account page. The "call" button will show up best next to the message button, in the top right of their account web page.
If you occur to call them and they're offline, you'll be able to leave a video message.
Keep in mind: The "call" button will only show up if you're authorized into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you don't see a phone call switch, you'll need to utilize the very first method to ensure that they'll be prompted to allow the feature.
Setup as well as Quality
The top quality of the video chat is very outstanding. I've attempted Google+ Hangouts too and I have to confess that the quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calling. There likewise just weren't almost as numerous "hiccups" (i.e. window cold or delays).
If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll acknowledge the setup; there is a little home window in the leading right corner of the primary home window to ensure that you could see yourself. When you're done with a phone call, you can just close the home window to finish it.
Here is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the tiniest size. Even at complete display view, the top quality continued to be outstanding.
Right 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 might look a little various from mine. The only choice readily available here is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do want that there were more options. For instance, there is currently no other way to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly need to enter into your computer settings 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 team video chats-- something that makes certain to find in helpful for catching up with several friends and family, group projects, seminars, meetings, as well as more. In the meantime, you can still utilize Skype for that. Considering that everyone is currently on Facebook as well as are not most likely to in fact download Skype (if they have not already), this is absolutely something that needs to be executed ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do group text chats within the normal chat window.
What are your ideas on Facebook's brand-new video calling function? Do you think it's an essential attribute? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones making use of at all? Don't hesitate to inform us your thoughts in the comments below.
