In case you haven't heard, there's certainly a war taking place in between Facebook and also Google - and its only just begun. With all the recent buzz and buzz going around the Web regarding Google+, Facebook determined that they had to do something about it to obtain back right into the limelight; so they have actually currently partnered with Skype to bring its individuals video calling - How To Facebook Video Chat.
This means that you and any of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your cams as well as chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply emerged with their video talking attribute called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook seems instead unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is actually rather outstanding as well as works a bit in different ways.
If you resemble me, the majority of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have not also heard of Google+; if they have actually read about it, greater than most likely they're not going to try it out. To ensure that indicates you're stuck still using Facebook and also could as well welcome the new features (since there will definitely be even more to find in this battle) with open arms.
How To Facebook Video Chat
Allow's have a look at ways to enable as well as use Facebook's new video chat.
Beginning
Prior to you could begin video calling your friends, you will certainly need to enable it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page and clicking the green "Get Started" switch. You'll after that be prompted to download and also run the Java application needed to utilize this attribute. Don't worry, this is an extremely fast procedure.
Note: The option to use this new feature is not available for everyone. When I asked my hubby to go to the page, he was not able to see the green button. It mentioned that the function had not been yet readily available to him. In this situation you'll require somebody who can access the feature to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be motivated to install as well as run the Java application.
How to Call A Friend
There are 2 ways to call your friends.
First Approach
You could go into a chat window as well as click on the camera symbol from the top bar of the home window. This approach lets you call any one of your friends.
If they have not allowed the attribute, they'll be prompted to do so. If they aren't online, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.
2nd Method
The other approach is by clicking the "call" button on your buddy's account web page. The "call" switch will certainly show up appropriate alongside the message switch, in the top right of their account web page.
If you happen to call them and also they're offline, you'll have the ability to leave a video message.
Note: The "call" switch will just appear if you're signed into Facebook chat as well as if that friend has the highlighted allowed. So if you do not see a telephone call switch, you'll have to utilize the very first method to make sure that they'll be motivated to allow the feature.
Setup and also Quality
The quality of the video chat is very excellent. I've tried Google+ Hangouts as well as well as I have to confess that the quality of the camera was not almost as clear as Facebook's video calls. There additionally weren't virtually as numerous "hiccups" (i.e. window cold or delays).
If you've done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the configuration; there is a small window in the top right corner of the primary home window to ensure that you can see yourself. Once you're done with a phone call, you can just close the home window to finish it.
Below is the camera view without the controls. The window can be bigger, however this is the tiniest size. Also at full display view, the high quality stayed superb.
Right here is the camera view with the controls. While I am creating this on Windows, I did examination out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your home window could look a little different from mine. The only choice offered right here is to alter the resource of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do want that there were even more alternatives. For example, there is presently no way to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you 'd should go into your computer system setups to do this or utilize the mute button on your headset (if it has one).
Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no chance to do group video talks-- something that makes sure to come in helpful for overtaking several loved ones, group tasks, seminars, conferences, and extra. For now, you can still utilize Skype for that. Given that every person is already on Facebook as well as are not most likely to in fact download Skype (if they have not currently), this is certainly something that should be implemented ASAP. Nevertheless, you can do team text talks within the normal chat window.
What are your ideas on Facebook's brand-new video calling feature? Do you think it's a necessary feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or friends and family using whatsoever? Do not hesitate to tell us your thoughts in the remarks listed below.
