Facebook Video Chat
Today Mark Zuckerberg announced the new video chat feature on Facebook. This new application is being powered by Skype. To get started:
- Login into your Facebook account
- Go to https://www.facebook.com/videocalling
- Click on the large button titled “Get Started”
- Then click on “Setup” to install the new add-on
Other than clicking the “Get Started” button, there is no login required. You will not be rerouted to Skype to create a new account. After the add-on has been installed you are ready to start making calls.
Starting a video call with one of your Facebook friends is incredibly easy. When you are ready to call a Facebook friend go down to your Facebook chat in the bottom right hand corner and select their name. At the top of the chat box you will see a tiny camera icon that you click. Your friend will then receive an incoming video call prompt.
If they do not already have video calling setup they will be asked to set it up at this point. Also both parties don’t have to have webcams. If your friend doesn’t have a camera they will still be able to see you. Once your video call is established a medium sized video box appears in the middle of your screen. Your friend’s video feed will take up most of the box like most other video chat software.
While trying it out on my iPad it gave me a Flash Player required message. So we will have to wait until Mark releases the long awaited Facebook iPad native app. When testing in Internet Explorer, I was not only able to expand it to full screen but I could move the box around my computer screen as well as resize it.
If your friend does not pick up the call or hits the “Ignore” button it will ask you if you would like to leave a message. Once you opt to leave a message a Facebook chat box pops up giving you the option to send a written message, photo, or a video message. On your friends account they will be prompted with a new message. At the top is the written message and underneath is a video.
Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook wanted to make this as easy as possible which I believe they succeeded in doing so. Have you been able to test it out for yourself? If so, what are your thoughts?
