Facebook vs. Google+: Video Calling

Facebook launched their Skype powered video calling function on Tuesday. Users will now be only “two clicks away” from making a video call in addition to the now rather mundane textual chatting online. Hot on their heels however, are Google. Though the social media efforts of the search engine giant have been in vain in recent years, their latest offering of Google+ seeks to revisit and conquer old ground.

One of the main applications of the Google+ network is video calling, a feature which will no doubt factor heavily in the struggle for dominance (or at least some sort of friendly balance) between the two players.

Similar to comparisons made between the iPhone and Android smartphones, general conclusions seem to attribute greater level of ease and user friendliness to the Facebook camp , while the Google guys are credited with a greater degree of involvement and scope for individual customisation.

In terms of video calling experience, both sides offer something unique. While Google+ Hangouts allow callers to share and watch videos together, Facebook has developed the means to leave a video voicemail for unavailable friends. This is only available if the call recipient is either away, or ignoring you.

Additional bonus features of the Google+ video call include the ability to mute the audio should you need to, or to mute everyone's audio during a Hangout (the latter can accommodate up to 10 people by the way), as well as the option to talk to more than one person at the same time.

Again, like the iPhone and Android debate, it comes down to personal preference. Or it would if the playing field was level.

Despite the attraction of Google+, it is hard to imagine a mass exodus from the comforts of Facebook, where profiles have been established and adorned over a period of years. One gets the feeling it would be akin to the relocation from a traditional leafy suburb, where everyone knows each other's business whether they like it or not, to a modern, state-of-the-art apartment complex where 90% of the flats are vacant.

It might be a better place to live, but there's no-one to share it with!