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FaceTime: iPhone 4 gets its own video calling app
FaceTime is not without its issues, though. First off, it's going to be WiFi-only for at least the rest of 2010, while mobile carriers get their networks ready to handle it. AT&T, we're looking at you! Get it together, guys! Also, taking mobile video calls mainstream presents some interesting issues of etiquette and decorum. With Skype, you know you can video call someone because they're signed in. With FaceTime, you might get an incoming video call when you're in public, or when you just got out of the shower. Plus, it makes drive-by flashing pretty damn easy ... I wouldn't hurry to answer any FaceTime calls from strangers, that's for sure.
Despite the issues, though, I think FaceTime just raised the bar for what we expect from our communication devices. Plug-and-play video calling used to be Jetsons-type-future-stuff, and now it's just the latest thing made mainstream by Apple. Love them or hate them, they're pushing the envelope again.
For a recap of the keynote, check out the liveblog from our sister site, Engadget and further WWDC 2010 coverage on TUAW.
Comments
7
Subscribe to commentsEdd SulJun 7th 2010 5:08PM
The new iphone 4 rumored has great feature front facing camera, voice AND video calls, HD Video Recording, etc
http://trends.uponinter.net/wwdc-2010-and-the-next-iphone-4.html
kriscolumbusJun 7th 2010 9:43PM
I'm not an iphone hater or lover, but I'm not sure I would call this "pushing the envelope." Doesn't the EVO do this with Qik, over the network too... and with mobile to PC calling? It seems like features are so much more exciting when the make it to the iphone.
SkoliaJun 7th 2010 9:55PM
kriscolumbus, yup. The mind boggles.
Dave JohnsonJun 7th 2010 11:59PM
"Just when we were getting excited that the iPhone 4's front camera would let us video call with Skype, Apple delivered something even bigger." Well ... let's see .... out of the box, iphone4 users can call iphone4 users. Only. And via wi-fi. Only. And there doesn't seem to be programming that handles the most basic online (away, offline, invisible, etc) settings. And it doesn't have the advantage of automatically connecting to Outlook contacts. Among many other niceties.
But "it just raised the bar." It sure did- for the iphone.
Mattias AkermanJun 8th 2010 1:39AM
Wel... This is kind of embarrassing. Why do they make this sound like something new. It's been working on all other 3G phones in Europe for 7 years. And over 3G. Video calls is a part of the 3G standard. It's fun one time, but then you never use video calls again. And if it's just over wifi and to another iPhone4?
I don't get it.
KrazyCalvinJun 9th 2010 10:09PM
Facetime sounds like something you would find at a japanese porn shop.
johnJul 4th 2010 12:26AM
yeah I like this new feature. I find this step by step is helpful here: http://www.itjungles.com/iphone-tips/iphone-4-how-to-make-a-facetime-video-call