How to Video Chat Using a Gmail Input Video
Though you may think that your Gmail homepage can only be used for emailing, you can also have real-time, face-to-face conversations via Google Video Chat. Video Chat is integrated within your Gmail page, so you can have conversations without the need to open new windows or switch browser tabs. This service is available for free and only takes a minute to set up. In order to use Google Video Chat, you will need a webcam and a microphone. The person you are trying to contact will also need to have Google Video Chat set up.
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Instructions
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Visit Google's Voice and Video Chat page. Click the "Install Voice and Video Chat" button to download the plugin. Close all of your browser windows. Launch the installation file to install the plugin.
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Sign in to your Gmail account. Click on the gear-shaped icon in the top right corner to open your settings menu. Click the "Chat" link near the top of the page.
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Select your webcam model from the "Camera" drop-down menu. If you only have one camera connected to your computer, this will be the only camera available. Select your microphone and speakers from their associated drop-down menus. Click the "Verify your settings" link. A small screen will appear in your window and the webcam will turn on. If you can see the live webcam feed in the screen, your cam is configured correctly.
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Click on one of your contacts in the "Chat" menu in the left sidebar. If your contact has video chat enabled, their status indicator will appear as a small camera instead of a circle. Click the "Chat" button to open a chat window. Click the camera icon in the top left corner of the chat window to begin your video chat.
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