In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a war taking place between Facebook and Google - and also its only just started. With all the recent buzz and buzz going around the Net concerning Google+, Facebook decided that they had to do something about it to get back into the limelight; so they've currently partnered with Skype to bring its users video calling - Can You Video Chat On Facebook.
This indicates that you and also any one of your friends could see each other face-to-face using your web cams as well as chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just emerged with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "brand-new" attribute on Facebook seems instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is really pretty outstanding and functions a bit in different ways.
If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy member of the family and non-geeky friends have actually not even heard of Google+; if they have actually read about it, greater than likely they're not ready to try it out. To make sure that suggests you're stuck still making use of Facebook as well as might too invite the brand-new attributes (due to the fact that there will certainly be even more to come in this war) with open arms.
Can You Video Chat On Facebook
Allow's take a look at how to allow and also make use of Facebook's new video chat.
Getting going
Before you could begin video calling your friends, you will should enable it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking on the green "Get Started" button. You'll then be triggered to download and run the Java application had to utilize this function. Don't worry, this is a really fast procedure.
Keep in mind: The option to utilize this new attribute is not offered for every person. When I asked my other half to go to the web page, he was not able to see the green switch. It specified that the function had not been yet available to him. In this instance you'll need someone that can access the function to start a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and run the Java application.
Ways to Call A Friend
There are 2 means to call your friends.
First Method
You could go into a conversation home window and 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 allowed the attribute, they'll be motivated to do so. If they typically aren't on the internet, you'll be able to leave them a video message.
Second Method
The other method is by clicking the "call" button on your good friend's account page. The "call" button will certainly appear appropriate beside the message button, in the top right of their account web page.
If you happen to call them as well as they're offline, you'll be able to leave a video message.
Keep in mind: The "call" button will just show up if you're signed right into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the highlighted made it possible for. So if you do not see a phone call button, you'll have to use the very first approach to ensure that they'll be prompted to make it possible for the feature.
Setup and Quality
The top quality of the video chat is rather remarkable. I have actually attempted Google+ Hangouts as well as well as I need to admit that the quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calling. There likewise just weren't nearly as many "hiccups" (i.e. home window freezing or delays).
If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the arrangement; there is a small window in the top right edge of the main home window to make sure that you can see yourself. As soon as you're performed with a phone call, you could simply close the window to finish it.
Right here is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be enlarged, but this is the smallest size. Even at complete display view, the top quality remained superb.
Below is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did test out the attribute on the Mac OS. So, your window might look a little different from mine. The only choice offered here is to change the resource of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do desire that there were more options. As an example, there is presently no chance to silence your microphone from the video call home window; so you would certainly have to go into your computer system settings to do this or make use of the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).
Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no other way to do team video talks-- something that makes sure to come in handy for catching up with several friends and family, team projects, meetings, conferences, as well as extra. For now, you can still make use of Skype for that. Because everyone is already on Facebook and are not most likely to really download Skype (if they haven't already), this is absolutely something that should be carried out ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team text chats within the regular chat window.
Exactly what are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling feature? Do you assume it's a required attribute? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or family and friends using in all? Don't hesitate to inform us your ideas in the comments listed below.
