FaceTime

FaceTime, a free videotelephony product developed by Apple, has revolutionized the way you connect with people around the globe through video and audio calls. Since its debut in 2010, the FaceTime app has become a popular choice among Apple users with iOS devices and Mac computers. Offering seamless video calling experiences right at your fingertips, FaceTime’s rise to fame can be credited for popularizing the video calling industry.

As a user of the FaceTime app, you can effortlessly engage in video calls or utilize its FaceTime Audio feature to communicate with family and friends. While video calling services like Skype have been around since 2003, it was FaceTime that sparked a newfound interest in connecting with loved ones, no matter where they are. With just a simple tap, the world is brought closer to you in a way that was once unattainable.

How To Set Up FaceTime

To set up FaceTime, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Find and tap FaceTime.
3. Enable FaceTime by toggling the switch to the right, which turns green.
4. Sign in with your Apple ID.
5. Sync your phone’s contacts with FaceTime.
6. Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have cellular data enabled.

Now, you can easily use FaceTime to make calls with your contacts via microphone, email address, or Siri over iCloud.

How to Initiate a FaceTime Call

To start a FaceTime call, open the FaceTime app and tap New FaceTime. Enter the name, phone number, or email address of the person you want to call. Tap FaceTime and wait for them to accept your call. If you’re on a regular phone call and want to switch to FaceTime, simply tap the FaceTime icon, and the call will change to a FaceTime call once the other person accepts.

What Devices Is It Available For?

FaceTime is exclusively available for Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, Macs, and MacBook Pros. It is typically used over Wi-Fi on supported iOS or iPadOS devices. However, with the release of iOS 15, it is now possible to use FaceTime on Android and Windows devices as well.

To use FaceTime with someone who has an Android or Windows device, you’ll need to create a FaceTime link on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 15 or on your Mac running macOS Monterey. You can then send this link to your non-Apple contact, allowing them to join the FaceTime call.

When using FaceTime audio, you can also answer and place calls on your Apple Watch, but video calls are not supported on the watch. In summary, FaceTime is widely accessible on almost any Apple device, and with the recent iOS 15 update, it has expanded its reach to include Android and Windows users via FaceTime links.

Geographical Restrictions

Using FaceTime is possible in almost all countries worldwide. However, please note that devices purchased in the United Arab Emirates won’t have this functionality. Also, bear in mind that Group FaceTime and FaceTime Audio on mobile data won’t work in China; Wi-Fi is required. Lastly, ensure your device runs iOS 11.3 or higher in Saudi Arabia, and iOS 12.4 or higher in Pakistan to use FaceTime effectively.

Four Unique FaceTime Features

1. Screen Sharing: While on a FaceTime call, tap the green time indicator in the top left corner to access the features screen. The share screen button on the right allows you to share your display with the caller. This makes it possible to view each other’s phone screens, even watching movies together. This feature is exclusive to iOS 15.
2. Background Functionality: Need to search something or quickly check social media during a call? FaceTime continues to run in the background, so your call isn’t interrupted. Recent iOS versions merely minimize the video feed, enabling you to continue the conversation while multitasking.
3. Voice Isolation: This feature emphasizes your voice during the call while filtering out background noise, ensuring a clear and focused conversation.
4. Spatial Audio: Experience a more immersive conversation as if the caller were in the same room with you. This feature simulates different sound directions to create a natural-sounding call. However, it is only supported on devices like the iPhone XR and later.

Remember, FaceTime also offers Group FaceTime, allowing up to 32 participants in a single call for those using iOS 12.4 or later.

Pros of FaceTime

FaceTime, available for free on Apple devices, offers a fast and smooth video chat experience. During the pandemic, it proved efficient in bringing loved ones together, allowing users to share reactions, gestures, and live photos in both portrait and landscape orientations.

Cons of FaceTime

FaceTime limits you to Apple devices, which can hinder your ability to connect with others who don’t own an Apple product. Additionally, it’s not the best option for work-related video calls, where alternatives like Teams or Zoom may offer more features suited for professional use. Finally, unlike some competitors, FaceTime does not include an in-text feature, focusing solely on video functionality. This can restrict the ways in which you communicate with your contacts.

Competitors

Various apps have emerged as alternatives to video calling since its introduction by Apple. Some noteworthy options to consider include:

• Google Duo
• Microsoft Teams
• Skype
• WhatsApp
• Facebook Messenger
• Zoom
• LINE
• Snapchat Video
• JusTalk
• Discord

Is FaceTime Worth Using?

FaceTime is a fantastic app for iPhone users, allowing you to easily connect with friends and family through video and audio chats. By simply tapping a button, you can enjoy face-to-face conversations with your loved ones without any complications.

However, FaceTime is restricted to iOS and OSX users, making it incompatible with Android devices. While recent technology advances have allowed Android users to participate in calls via shared links, Apple does not permit FaceTime to be downloaded on non-Apple devices. For this reason, if you’re not an iPhone user, FaceTime might not be the best option for you.