• How To Make Video Calls On Facebook

    How To Make Video Calls On Facebook

    Jayesh Limaye, Jul 07, 2011 2258 hrs IST

    Facebook unveils new feature to combat Google+.

    mail share

    next


In my Google+ feature published yesterday, I had mentioned towards the end, that Facebook needs to be proactive in order to combat the new social networking rival. FB responded swiftly by unveiling a new feature that allows you to make video calls right through the browser interface, just like Google+ does with its Hangout feature. We finally know what CEO Mark Zuckerberg meant, when he had announced last week that the company had planned to "...launch something awesome" this week. I tried my hands at Google+ yesterday, and today I am going to try to find out if this new video calling feature in FB is a fitting retaliation.

The new video calling feature has been made possible, thanks to the partnership between FB and Skype. Of course, you don't need to install Skype; a small plug-in takes care of the software requirements. On the hardware front, you need a webcam, a headset \ speakers, and a microphone.

Setting It Up

Let's start with the basics, beginning with opening www.facebook.com/videocalling. The main page has a video on the right, explaining the feature. The Skype logo at the bottom of the screen reinforces the fact that it is powered by the VoIP provider.

How To Make Video Calls On Facebook



FB Videocalling main page


To get started, you can click on the green Get Started button on the left of the screen. Assuming that you have already logged into Facebook, a chat window will pop up on the right hand side, listing all your online FB contacts. Click on one of them to proceed.

How To Make Video Calls On Facebook



Click on one of the online contacts from the list to start


Alternatively, you can start the chat directly from your online friend's profile by clicking on the Call button located on the right hand side of the screen near the top.

How To Make Video Calls On Facebook



Calls can be initiated directly from your friend's profile


Once the chat window is open, you can click on the camera icon present on the title bar towards the left to initiate a video call.

How To Make Video Calls On Facebook



Click on the camera icon to begin video chat

Follow Techtree on Twitter

    next

Do you agree with this aritcle?
YesNo

Up

179

Down

29

Related Links
Security lapse compromises Facebook privacy
Skype Wi-Fi Phone from SMC
Phone Calls Via Facebook Will Be Possible Soon



Discussion Board
(9) Comments
dare
,Bitola, on Jan 12, 2012 07:30 PM
this aplication is verry good
Report abuse
Thuy Huynh
,newark, CA, on Jan 07, 2012 02:52 AM
Doesn't work for me, it said the other person unavailable but the! When I try to set up it doesn't go to set up. Please post more info how to do it.
Report abuse
arjun thakkar
,mumbai, on Oct 08, 2011 05:56 PM
good nice very good i like it
Report abuse
SREEJITH K R
,CHENNAI, on Sep 25, 2011 06:20 PM
www.facebook.com/videocalling. i tried to click this link but GET STARTED button was disabled and it stated as "Video calling will be available soon Please check back later." and i'm trying for more than 4 days same message no changes in it. what should i do further....
Report abuse
arnie cahilig
,manila, phil., on Sep 13, 2011 11:34 AM
i like fb video call! i love facefook.
Report abuse
Indian
,Bangalore, on Jul 08, 2011 12:34 PM
Oh yaa? You said FB should be proactive and they immediately listened to you and acted!!! what an Idiot!!
Report abuse
Abhishek
,Ujjain, on Jul 08, 2011 04:08 PM
ha ha ha../// gd comment
Report abuse
Ankit
,Mumbai, on Jul 08, 2011 04:34 PM
Lame comment really (should I even bother telling this?) The author merely pointed out that Facebook would have an answer for the Google+ challenge and referred to the Zuckerberg awesome announcement of last week. I don't see the point of poking fun at him just for the sake of it. Haters like you had maligned Prasad Naik, and since he is no longer here, now you seem to be on the prowl for a new target.
Report abuse
Aakaanksha
,Bangalore, on Jul 08, 2011 06:53 PM
Even though the last word in the comment is a bit harsh... I too felt the same when I read the first couple lines in the article.. There is definitely a hint of self praise / " you know.. I said so" attitude in those lines. Please note that as long as you are publishing something for public there will be haters as well as followers. And anyway thanks for the news about "his highness" Prasad Naik. I hope that brings in a positive change in his attitude if he is still in the same career...
Report abuse

Opinion Poll