Facebook launches video calls, group chat features

NEW YORK

The social networking site is partnering with Skype to provide video chats.

It allows users a new way to connect with friends beyond simply posting messages.

To make video calls, /*Facebook*/ users with webcam-equipped computers have to select the friends they want to chat with. In the chat window that pops up, clicking on a small blue video icon brings up the video chat feature. Currently there is no option to video chat more than one person.

Skype is expecting that this new feature will triple or quadruple the amount of video traffic it already handles.

Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg also announced Wednesday that the site will be rolling out a group chat feature. This works much the same way as the group chat on Google Plus. Once you are chatting with one friend, you can click an icon to add more people to the conversation.

Facebook has 750 million users around the world.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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