Facebook answers Google+ with an integrated video calling feature
For the past week or so, Google+ users have been enjoying simple, streamlined group video chat by using the new social network's Hangout feature. Not to be outdone by the spry newcomer, Facebook today revealed its own video chat service, powered by the Microsoft-owned Skype platform.
The new video chat option works hand-in-hand with Facebook's already popular chat feature, allowing anyone with a webcam and a Facebook account to communicate face-to-face. Upon selecting the video option at the top of the chat window for the first time you will be prompted to download and install the software that powers the feature. After installation, a single click brings up a video chat window with your conversation partner, with no need to launch a separate program.
The social network also introduced a group chat option for those who prefer the text-based chat format. A new icon on the chat window will allow you to add additional chatters to whatever conversations you already have going. Group video chat, which Google+'s Hangout feature excels at, isn't a part of the new rollout, but when asked about the possibility, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted "I wouldn't rule anything out."
Accompanying the new chat features is a redesigned Facebook chat sidebar which appears and adjusts itself to match your window width whenever there is enough room. Your chat friends can now be organized based on who you chat with the most, which is great for those of you who have beefy friends lists and are tired of scrolling to find your favorite gossipers.
There were many rumors surrounding what Facebook would reveal today, with the social network noting only that it would be "awesome." Some had thought a new Facebook iPad app, or perhaps the rumored "Project Spartan" was on the docket, but it was not to be. Instead, Facebook added what should be yet another solid feature, and made a play at one of the key bullet points of Google+.
The addition of Skype to Facebook isn't entirely surprising, given the fact that the video chat program recently added Facebook integration such as the ability to browse your friends' status updates and "Like" posts. Bringing Skype functionality to the social network seems like the next logical step, and it's one that Facebook clearly didn't hesitate to make.
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