In case you haven't heard, there's definitely a war taking place between Facebook and Google - as well as its only just begun. With all the recent buzz and buzz walking around the Web concerning Google+, Facebook determined that they needed to act to get back into the limelight; so they've now partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - Facebook Video Chat.
This means that you and also any one of your friends can see each other face-to-face using your webcams as well as chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video chatting attribute called Hangouts, this "new" feature on Facebook appears instead unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling function is really quite remarkable as well as functions a little bit differently.
If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy family members and non-geeky friends have not also heard of Google+; if they have actually heard about it, greater than most likely they're not going to try it out. To make sure that means you're stuck still utilizing Facebook as well as may too welcome the brand-new features (because there will certainly be even more ahead in this war) with open arms.
Facebook Video Chat
Let's have a look at how to enable as well as make use of Facebook's 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 as well as clicking the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be triggered to download and run the Java application had to use this function. Don't worry, this is a very quick process.
Keep in mind: The option to use this new feature is not readily available for every person. When I asked my partner to see the page, he was unable to see the green switch. It mentioned that the attribute had not been yet offered to him. In this situation you'll need somebody who could access the attribute to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be prompted to install and also run the Java application.
How to Call A Friend
There are two ways to call your friends.
First Technique
You could go into a chat home window and also click on the camera icon from the top bar of the window. This method lets you call any one of your friends.
If they haven't enabled the function, 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 Approach
The various other method is by clicking the "call" button on your friend's profile page. The "call" button will certainly appear ideal next to the message button, in the top 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.
Note: The "call" switch will just show up if you're authorized right into Facebook chat and also if that friend has the highlighted allowed. So if you don't see a phone call switch, you'll have to make use of the initial technique to make sure that they'll be triggered to enable the function.
Setup and Quality
The quality of the video chat is quite excellent. I have actually tried Google+ Hangouts also and I have to confess that the top quality of the camera was not virtually as clear as Facebook's video calls. There also just weren't virtually as many "missteps" (i.e. window freezing or hold-ups).
If you've done a video chat in Skype, then you'll identify the configuration; there is a little window in the top right edge of the major window so that you can see on your own. When you're done with a call, you can simply close the home window to end it.
Below is the camera sight without the controls. The home window can be bigger, however this is the tiniest dimension. Even at full display view, the top quality remained superb.
Here is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the function on the Mac OS. So, your home window might look a little different from mine. The only option available here is to change the resource of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do want that there were more alternatives. As an example, there is presently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly should go into your computer system setups to do this or use the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).
Likewise, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no other way to do team video talks-- something that makes certain to come in helpful for catching up with numerous family and friends, group projects, conferences, conferences, and more. For now, you could still make use of Skype for that. Because every person is already on Facebook and are not likely to really download Skype (if they haven't already), this is certainly something that must be implemented ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team text talks within the regular chat window.
What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling feature? Do you assume it's an essential feature? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or loved ones utilizing in any way? Feel free to inform us your ideas in the remarks listed below.
