How to Enable Video Chat On Facebook

In case you haven't heard, there's certainly a battle going on in between Facebook and Google - as well as its only just started. With all the recent buzz as well as buzz going around the Internet about Google+, Facebook decided that they needed to do something about it to obtain back into the limelight; so they have actually now partnered with Skype to bring its customers video calling - How To Enable Video Chat On Facebook.

This suggests that you and any one of your friends can see each other in person utilizing your webcams as well as chat using your voice. Seeing that Google+ just came on the scene with their video chatting feature called Hangouts, this "new" feature on Facebook appears rather unimaginative. Yet, Facebook's video calling attribute is actually pretty outstanding as well as works a little bit differently.

If you're like me, most of your non-tech savvy relative as well as non-geeky friends have actually not also become aware of Google+; if they have actually found out about it, greater than most likely they're not willing to try it out. To make sure that implies you're stuck still utilizing Facebook and also may as well invite the brand-new attributes (due to the fact that there will certainly be even more ahead in this war) with open arms.


How To Enable Video Chat On Facebook


Let's have a look at ways to make it possible for and make use of Facebook's brand-new video chat.

Getting Started

Before you could begin video calling your friends, you will should enable it. This can be done by going to the Facebook Video Calling page as well as clicking on the green "Get Started" switch. You'll then be prompted to download and run the Java application needed to utilize this attribute. Don't worry, this is a really quick process.


Keep in mind: The choice to utilize this brand-new attribute is not offered for every person. When I asked my other half to go to the page, he was not able to see the green button. It stated that the attribute had not been yet available to him. In this case you'll require a person who 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 means to call your friends.

First Technique

You can enter into a conversation window as well as click on the camera icon from the top bar of the window. This approach lets you call any one of your friends.

If they haven't enabled the attribute, they'll be prompted to do so. If they typically aren't on-line, you'll have the ability to leave them a video message.

Second Technique

The other approach is by clicking the "call" button on your good friend's profile web page. The "call" button will certainly show up ideal beside the message switch, in the top right of their profile web page.

If you occur to call them as well as they're offline, you'll have the ability to leave a video message.


Keep in mind: The "call" switch will just show up if you're authorized into Facebook chat and if that friend has the highlighted made it possible for. So if you don't see a phone call button, you'll have to utilize the initial technique so that they'll be motivated to enable the function.

Setup and Quality

The high quality of the video chat is rather excellent. I've tried Google+ Hangouts as well 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 additionally just weren't nearly as several "hiccups" (i.e. home window freezing or delays).

If you have actually done a video chat in Skype, after that you'll identify the setup; there is a little window in the leading right edge of the main home window so that you could see yourself. When you're done with a telephone call, you can simply close the window to finish it.

Here is the camera view without the controls. The home window can be bigger, yet this is the smallest size. Even at full screen sight, the top quality continued to be outstanding.


Below is the camera view with the controls. While I am writing this on Windows, I did test out the function on the Mac OS. So, your home window might look a little different from mine. The only option offered here is to change the source of your microphone (i.e. web or headset).


Final Thoughts

I do desire that there were more options. For example, there is currently no other way to silence your microphone from the video call window; so you would certainly should enter into your computer setups to do this or use the mute switch on your headset (if it has one).

Also, unlike Google+ Hangouts, there is currently no chance to do team video talks-- something that makes sure ahead in useful for overtaking several family and friends, group projects, meetings, conferences, and extra. In the meantime, you could still make use of Skype for that. Considering that every person is already on Facebook and also are not most likely to actually download and install Skype (if they haven't currently), this is certainly something that must be applied ASAP. Nonetheless, you can do group text chats within the typical chat window.

What are your ideas on Facebook's new video calling function? Do you assume it's a required feature? Is it something that you can see yourself and/or friends and family making use of whatsoever? Feel free to tell us your ideas in the comments below.