Facebook is reminding users how to make video calls via the social network by testing a “Call” button on member Timeline pages.
The button, which was first spotted by TechCrunch, is located next to the “Message” option on Facebook Timeline’s layout. The “Chat” button would replace the subtle video-camera icon now used to start an online video chat.
A Facebook spokesperson confirmed to Mashable that the button is only a test, so it’s unknown at this time if it will become a permanent part of Timeline. In the meantime, some members using a desktop version of Facebook will be able to test the feature.
Although Facebook partnered with popular online chat service Skype nearly a year ago, the social network hasn’t made the option overly visible on the site. Now with the increase in popularity of social chat services such as Google Hangouts and Airtime — which was launched by former Facebook president Sean Parker — it looks like Facebook is ready to get the service more on its users’ radar.
SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg Does Not Look Thrilled with AirtimeThis isn’t the first time Facebook has played with the concept of a “Call” button. It was featured on the previous version of profile pages, but it was hard to find in the settings drop-down menu.
Do you think the “Call” button will influence Facebook members to use video chat more? Will Facebook be able to compete against other social video chat services such as Airtime and Google Hangouts? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
View As Slideshow »For all of its improvements in randomized video chat, Airtime's dedication to protecting minors from X-rated content has to be its crown jewel.
That, coupled with its Facebook connectivity, gives Airtime an air of legitimacy that many other services don't have.
Like Google+, it also has YouTube sharing capability. Airtime uses your Facebook data to connect you with like-minded strangers, or even friends of friends, though for now, it's relatively limited to industry insiders.
Ever a classic, Skype is among the reliable, go-to platforms for voice, video and instant messaging. However, unlike most of these other services, Skype requires software installation to your computer.
Chatting on Skype is limited to people you know and have added to your contacts. You can use Skype to call phones as well as screen names, send files and screenshare, a great feature for coworkers collaborating remotely. Group video chat is only available with Skype Premium.
Hangout, Google's video chat service, has a leg-up on Skype — it runs straight through your browser, so you can use it on any webcam-enabled computer, no software installation necessary.
Use Hangouts to watch YouTube videos, screenshare or edit shared Google Docs with up to 10 friends. Plus, thanks to Google+'s video effects, you can do it all while wearing a top hat and a monocle. Cheerio, chap!
Video chat on Facebook is about as basic as it gets — no screensharing, no group video chat, no YouTube compatibility.
And while the service—which is the product of a partnership with Skype—does have the major advantage of connecting you with what's likely your most thorough contact list, several of the other clients are roping in your Facebook friends, too.
The social giant might soon feel the pressure to add more functions if it wants to keep users hooked to the video chat service.
Unlike most free, anonymous video chat services, Omegle has managed to maintain steady momentum since it was created in March 2009.
The site pairs you with a random stranger in your choice of text, audio or video chat format. Manually input your interests to slim down the pickin's, or give Omegle permission to use your Facebook Likes to find folks with similar tastes. Omegle's spy mode sets them apart from the pack; you can ask two strangers a question and watch them discuss it, or opt to discuss a question yourself.
When Chatroulette exploded in early 2010, it became the golden standard for anonymous video chatting. Okay, that's a little generous. But for a site initially run from a 17-year-old's bedroom in Moscow, it was certainly a sensation.
The site is still running strong today, with roughly twice as many users online than Omegle. Keep in mind that, unlike Airtime, this voyeur hotspot doesn't use an algorithm to detect X-rated content.
Tinychat is a video chat platform that introduces users to strangers with common interests.
The service requires that you create an account or login with Facebook. Once a member, you can browse the directory of chats in categories like comedy, music and gaming.
To be fair, though, the site's most popular chat rooms are teeenzon3, t33nheaven and teennlife. Going to go ahead and stamp this one with a big, fat NSFW.
ooVoo boasts power in numbers — this chat service lets you video chat with up to 12 friends. You can run ooVoo through Facebook, the web, or download the software to your computer or mobile device.
It's essentially Skype, with the added options to record a video call and send pre-recorded video messages.
If screensharing is your jam, go for Google+ or Skype; it's available on Oovoo, but only for a premium.
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