This indicates that you as well as any one of your friends could see each other in person using your webcams as well as chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video talking function called Hangouts, this "new" feature on Facebook seems rather unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling feature is in fact quite excellent and works a little bit in different ways.
If you're like me, a lot of your non-tech savvy relative and non-geeky friends have actually not also heard of Google+; if they have read about it, greater than most likely they're not going to try it out. To ensure that indicates you're stuck still utilizing Facebook and also may also welcome the brand-new functions (because there will definitely be more ahead in this war) with open arms.
How To Get Video Chat On Facebook
Let's have a look at ways to enable as well as utilize Facebook's new video chat.
Starting
Prior to you could begin video calling your friends, you will certainly have to allow it. This can be done by mosting likely to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking the green "Get Started" button. You'll after that be motivated to download and run the Java application needed to utilize this function. Don't worry, this is a very fast procedure.
Keep in mind: The choice to utilize this new function is not available for every person. When I asked my hubby to see the page, he was unable to see the green switch. It specified that the function wasn't yet readily available to him. In this instance you'll require someone who can access the feature to launch a video call with you. From there, they'll be triggered 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 enter into a chat home window and also 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 haven't allowed the attribute, they'll be motivated to do so. If they typically aren't on-line, you'll be able to leave them a video message.
2nd Technique
The other technique is by clicking the "call" button on your pal's profile page. The "call" button will show up ideal next to the message button, in the top right of their profile web page.
If you take place to call them and 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 also if that friend has the featured made it possible for. So if you don't see a phone call button, you'll have to utilize the first method to ensure that they'll be motivated to allow the feature.
Setup and also Quality
The quality of the video chat is quite excellent. I've attempted Google+ Hangouts too as well as I have to admit that the high quality of the camera was not nearly as clear as Facebook's video calling. There also weren't virtually as many "missteps" (i.e. window cold or delays).
If you've done a video chat in Skype, then you'll recognize the setup; there is a little home window in the top right edge of the primary window so that you can see on your own. Once you're made with a phone call, you can simply close the home window to finish it.
Below is the camera view without the controls. The window can be enlarged, yet this is the smallest size. Even at complete display sight, the quality continued to be outstanding.
Here is the camera sight with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did examination out the function on the Mac OS. So, your window might look a little different from mine. The only option offered below is to alter the source of your microphone (i.e. internet or headset).
Final Thoughts
I do wish that there were even more options. For instance, there is currently no other way to mute your microphone from the video call home window; so you would certainly need to go into your computer setups to do this or make use of the mute button on your headset (if it has one).
Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no chance to do team video chats-- something that makes sure to come in useful for catching up with numerous family and friends, group jobs, seminars, conferences, as well as a lot more. For now, you can still use Skype for that. Since everybody is already on Facebook and also are not most likely to in fact download Skype (if they have not currently), this is definitely something that should be implemented ASAP. However, you can do group message chats within the normal chat home window.
What are your thoughts on Facebook's brand-new video calling attribute? Do you believe it's a needed function? Is it something that you can see on your own and/or family and friends making use of in all? Don't hesitate to tell us your ideas in the remarks below.