In case you haven't listened to, there's certainly a battle taking place in between Facebook as well as Google - and its only just started. With all the current buzz and buzz going around the Net regarding Google+, Facebook chose that they had to act to get back right into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - Video Chat Facebook.
This implies that you and also any of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your web cams as well as chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ just emerged with their video chatting function called Hangouts, this "new" attribute on Facebook seems instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is in fact pretty remarkable as well as functions a little bit differently.
If you're like me, the majority of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have not also become aware of Google+; if they have become aware of it, more than likely they're not ready to try it out. To ensure that indicates you're stuck still utilizing Facebook and may too welcome the brand-new functions (because there will absolutely be even more ahead in this battle) with open arms.
Video Chat Facebook
Allow's have a look at how you can allow and make use of Facebook's brand-new video chat.
Beginning
Before you can begin video calling your friends, you will certainly 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" button. You'll then be prompted to download and run the Java application needed to use this feature. Don't worry, this is a really fast procedure.
Note: The option to use this brand-new function is not available for everybody. When I asked my husband to see the web page, he was not able to see the green button. It mentioned that the attribute wasn't yet readily available to him. In this instance you'll require a person who could access the attribute to initiate a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install and run the Java application.
How to Call A Friend
There are 2 methods to call your friends.
First Technique
You could enter into a chat home window as well as click on the camera symbol from the top bar of the home window. This technique allows you call any of your friends.
If they haven't made it possible for the function, they'll be triggered to do so. If they aren't online, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.
2nd Method
The various other technique is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's account web page. The "call" button will appear ideal next to the message button, in the leading right of their account web page.
If you happen to call them and they're offline, you'll be able to leave a video message.
Keep in mind: The "call" button will only appear if you're authorized into Facebook chat and if that friend has the highlighted allowed. So if you don't see a telephone call button, you'll need to utilize the first approach to ensure that they'll be triggered to make it possible for the function.
Setup and also Quality
The high quality of the video chat is quite excellent. I've attempted Google+ Hangouts also and also I have to confess that the high quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also just weren't virtually as lots of "missteps" (i.e. home window cold or delays).
If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, then you'll identify the arrangement; there is a tiny window in the leading right edge of the primary home window so that you could see yourself. As soon as you're made with a phone call, you can just shut the home window to finish it.
Here is the camera sight without the controls. The window can be bigger, yet this is the smallest dimension. Even at full display view, the high 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 home window could look a little various from mine. The only alternative available below is to alter the source of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do want that there were more options. For example, there is currently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly have to enter into your computer settings to do this or make use of the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).
Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no way to do team video chats-- something that makes sure to find in handy for catching up with multiple loved ones, team projects, meetings, conferences, as well as much more. In the meantime, you could still utilize Skype for that. Because everyone is already on Facebook as well as are not most likely to actually download and install Skype (if they haven't already), this is most definitely something that must be implemented ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do group text chats within the normal chat home window.
Exactly what are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling attribute? Do you think it's an essential feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or loved ones utilizing whatsoever? Do not hesitate to tell us your ideas in the remarks below.
