In case you have not heard, there's definitely a war taking place between Facebook as well as Google - and its only just started. With all the current hype as well as buzz going around the Web regarding Google+, Facebook chose that they had to take action to obtain back into the spotlight; so they've currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Facebook With Video Chat.
This suggests that you and also any one of your friends could see each other face-to-face utilizing your webcams as well as chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video chatting function called Hangouts, this "brand-new" function on Facebook appears rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact very outstanding and also works a little bit in different ways.
If you resemble me, most of your non-tech savvy relative and non-geeky friends have actually not also heard of Google+; if they have found out about it, greater than likely they're not willing to try it out. To ensure that suggests you're stuck still making use of Facebook and might too invite the new functions (since there will definitely be more to come in this war) with open arms.
Facebook With Video Chat
Allow's take a look at how you can make it possible for and also use Facebook's brand-new video chat.
Getting Started
Before you can begin video calling your friends, you will certainly should enable it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page and also clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll then be motivated to download and install and run the Java application had to use this attribute. Don't worry, this is a really fast procedure.
Keep in mind: The option to utilize this brand-new function is not offered for everybody. When I asked my hubby to go to the web page, he was not able to see the green switch. It mentioned that the feature wasn't yet readily available to him. In this situation you'll require a person that can access the attribute to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and run the Java application.
How to Call A Friend
There are two methods to call your friends.
First Method
You could go into a conversation home window as well as click the camera icon from the top bar of the window. This method allows you call any one of your friends.
If they have not enabled the attribute, they'll be prompted to do so. If they aren't on-line, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.
Second Method
The other method is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's profile web page. The "call" button will show up ideal next to the message button, in the leading right of their profile page.
If you happen to call them and they're offline, you'll have the ability to leave a video message.
Note: The "call" button will just appear if you're signed into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you don't see a telephone call switch, you'll need to use the very first method to make sure that they'll be prompted to enable the function.
Setup and also Quality
The quality of the video chat is pretty outstanding. I have actually tried Google+ Hangouts also as well as I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There additionally weren't almost as many "hiccups" (i.e. window freezing or hold-ups).
If you've done a video chat in Skype, then you'll acknowledge the setup; there is a tiny window in the top right edge of the main home window so that you could see on your own. Once you're made with a call, you can simply close the home window to finish it.
Here is the camera view without the controls. The home window can be enlarged, but this is the smallest size. Also at full screen view, the top quality continued to be exceptional.
Below is the camera sight with the controls. While I am creating this on Windows, I did test out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your window may look a little various from mine. The only option offered right here is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do want that there were even more options. For example, there is presently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd need to enter into your computer setups to do this or use the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).
Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no other way to do group video talks-- something that makes certain to find in convenient for overtaking numerous family and friends, group tasks, seminars, conferences, and also extra. In the meantime, you could still use Skype for that. Since everybody is currently on Facebook and also are not most likely to really download and install Skype (if they haven't currently), this is definitely something that must be carried out ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team text chats within the normal chat window.
Exactly what are your ideas on Facebook's brand-new video calling attribute? Do you think it's a required feature? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or friends and family making use of in any way? Do not hesitate to inform us your thoughts in the comments listed below.
