The collaboration of two of the web's biggest powerhouses has been rumoured for quite a while and it's one that Facebook is putting considerable weight behind. Now when you browse a friend's profile you'll find a new button sandwiched between 'Message' and 'Poke' that says 'Call'. Clicking on it will prompt the other user to accept a call and you'll be instantly connected (though you'll need to install a small plugin the first time you use the service).
You'll also find the video calling icon integrated into Facebook's newly revamped Chat sidebar - now appearing automatically along the side of your page. If you try and fail to initiate a video call (ie your 'friend' doesn't want to speak you…still), you'll be prompted to send them a video message (best not to do this after a night out ladies and gents). Unlike on Hangouts - Google+'s video calling offering - group chat is not available though Zuckerberg hinted that this could change in the future.
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What does it mean?
While Google beat Facebook to the punch with Hangouts last week, Zuckerberg's 'keynote' speech from his company headquarters suggested a view that Facebook had already 'won' the social network battle. With 750 million registered users and sharing figures continuing to spiral, the ever growing ubiquity of Facebook formed a large part of the CEO's remarks, even indicating that Google latest foray into the space was vindication of Facebook's vision of the social web.
Skype chief executive Tony Bates calls it a "most important strategic partnership" and one with significant mutual benefits. The link-up further cements ties between Microsoft and Facebook keeping them primed for war with Google, Skype can expect to see its userbase increase exponentially, Facebook will become even stickier for users as chat options increase and with users staying onsite longer advertisers will no doubt be grinning ear to ear.
A new, simple feature designed for the masses, the video calling gets a big like from me (though sit tight for google's next move).
To get video calling right away head on over to www.facebook.com/videocalling
