Facetime
Contents
Overview
Facetime is an ios app (only available on Apple products) used for video chatting. It was originally released in June of 2010 but the release has been followed by numerous updates. Users can enable Facetime by connecting it to their iCloud account and/or phone number. Facetime supports both front and rear-facing cameras. Facetime can be used using WiFi or Cellular Data.
Unique Features
Memoji: On iPhone X or later (iPad Pro 11-inch or iPad Pro 12.9-inch) Memoji can be used during a Facetime call. To do this during a call, click on the "Effects" button that resembles like a star. Then select the emoji you would like to use. You can even customize one to look like yourself. To continue your call without the Memoji, simply select the "X" icon.
Live Photos: During a Facetime call, you will see a small round button that looks similar to a camera shutter button. Tapping this button will essentially take a screenshot of the Facetime. You can then find the picture that was captured in your photos app.
Facetime Audio: Facetime Audio is very similar to a regular phone call. The only difference is that Facetime Audio can be used over WiFi, allowing devices that do not have cellular data to make calls.
How to Make a Facetime Call
The Facetime App: Opening the Facetime app will either show users a history of their previous Facetime calls or a relatively blank screen if they have not used Facetime before. In the top right-hand corner of the screen, users can find a + icon. Tapping this icon will open a screen similar that looks similar to the one for composing a text message. Enter the phone number or Apple ID / iCloud email for the person you wish to call. The call will ring until they either pick up or it will say that they are unavailable for Facetime.
The Phone App: This option is available only for iPhones and not Macintosh (Mac) computers or iPads (tablets). Search for the contact that you wish to place a Facetime call to. In the contact, there will be various symbols that represent the different ways you could contact that person (Message, Call, Facetime Audio, Facetime). Facetime options will be gray if the contact does not have a phone number or email capable of Facetime. Select either Facetime or Facetime Audio and the call will be placed.
A Brief History of Facetime
June 2010: Facetime was announced along with the iPhone 4 by Steve Jobs.
February 2011: Facetime was officially released into the Mac App Store.
2013: Apple added Facetime Audio or Audio only capabilities to Facetime.
June 2018: Facetime announces group chat for up to 32 people.
See Also
References
External Links
*Apple Inc.'s overview and support for Facetime
*More About Facetime
