This indicates that you and also any of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your webcams as well as chat utilizing your voice. Seeing that Google+ simply came on the scene with their video talking feature called Hangouts, this "new" function on Facebook seems rather unoriginal. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is in fact rather excellent as well as works a little bit differently.
If you're like me, most of your non-tech savvy family members and also non-geeky friends have not even heard of Google+; if they have found out about it, greater than likely they're not willing to try it out. So that means you're stuck still making use of Facebook and also might too invite the brand-new functions (since there will certainly be more to find in this battle) with open arms.
How To Enable Video Chat On Facebook
Let's have a look at the best ways to enable as well as utilize Facebook's new video chat.
Starting
Before you could begin video calling your friends, you will have to enable it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page and clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll then be motivated to download and install and run the Java application needed to use this feature. Don't worry, this is a very fast process.
Note: The alternative to utilize this new function is not offered for everybody. When I asked my spouse to visit the page, he was unable to see the green switch. It stated that the function had not been yet readily available to him. In this instance you'll require someone that could access the attribute to launch 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 ways to call your friends.
First Method
You can enter into a conversation home window and click the camera symbol from the top bar of the home window. This approach allows you call any one of your friends.
If they have not made it possible for the attribute, they'll be motivated to do so. If they aren't online, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.
2nd Method
The other technique is by clicking the "call" switch on your close friend's profile page. The "call" button will certainly appear right alongside the message switch, in the leading right of their profile web page.
If you happen to call them and also they're offline, you'll be able to leave a video message.
Keep in mind: The "call" switch will only show up if you're authorized into Facebook chat and if that friend has the highlighted enabled. So if you don't see a phone call switch, you'll have to use the initial technique so that they'll be prompted to enable the feature.
Setup and also Quality
The quality of the video chat is quite impressive. I've tried Google+ Hangouts too and also I need to admit that the quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calls. There additionally just weren't nearly as lots of "missteps" (i.e. window cold or hold-ups).
If you've done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll recognize the setup; there is a little home window in the leading right corner of the main window to ensure that you can see on your own. When you're done with a telephone call, you can simply close the home window to finish it.
Here is the camera view without the controls. The window can be enlarged, however this is the tiniest size. Also at complete screen sight, the high quality stayed outstanding.
Right here is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the feature on the Mac OS. So, your home window might look a little various from mine. The only alternative offered right here is to alter the resource of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do wish that there were even more choices. As an example, there is currently no chance to mute your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly need to enter into your computer system settings to do this or utilize the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).
Additionally, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is presently no chance to do team video chats-- something that is sure to come in convenient for overtaking numerous family and friends, group projects, meetings, conferences, as well as more. In the meantime, you can still utilize Skype for that. Considering that everyone is already on Facebook and are not likely to really download and install Skype (if they haven't currently), this is absolutely something that needs to be applied ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do team message talks within the typical chat window.
What are your thoughts on Facebook's new video calling feature? Do you assume it's a required attribute? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or family and friends making use of whatsoever? Do not hesitate to tell us your ideas in the remarks listed below.