FaceTime
FaceTime is a piece of software for the Mac and iOS platforms that makes it easy for anyone with an Apple device to communicate with anyone else on the platform. All you have to do is give the app your Apple ID and password and it will set itself up with all your contacts from your account's Address Book. You can use the software for instant messaging, texting, voice calling, and video calling. The software makes every video call look amazing.
- Simple Communication
- Audio and Video Chat
- Easy setup
- Intuitive Controls
- No Clear Negatives
If you've used any Apple products in the recent years or know someone who has, you've probably heard of FaceTime. The software is perfect for those who are often around WiFi since it uses the same system as the Apple Messages app that tends to rely on WiFi for optimal utility. FaceTime is compatible with any iPhone from the fourth generation or newer, any iPad from the second generation or newer, and any iPod Touch. It is also compatible with all Mac desktop systems. You'll have no trouble keeping track of your contacts with FaceTime since it uses the Address Book associated with your Apple ID. You can build a Favorites list that will include everyone you call or message most frequently, and you can see a history of your activity on the app with the Recents section. All video calls that are made with FaceTime on devices that support it will be made in 720p HD. In some cases, Macs are only able to transfer video quality up to VGA standards and no higher, so calls made between two Macs will be limited by this threshold. One of the most appealing aspects of the software is the user interface. Once you start using the software during a video chat, the controls and even the surrounding window fade into the background so you focus only on the conversation at hand. If the other user switches cameras or changes the orientation of their mobile device, the software will show you a smooth transition with no skipping or jumping. If you want to use this software to make a video call with a group, the software has a large aspect ratio in widescreen format that makes such calls easy. Mac users can make their video calls fullscreen so the full power of the Mac display can be seen. The software will ring with incoming calls on your Mac even if the app isn't actually open, and it will ring on every Mac or iOS device on which your Apple ID is utilized. This makes it easy to never miss a call. In order to make video calls in HD, you'll need a connection of at least 1Mbps and a built-in camera. This software works a lot like Skype, but it's designed specifically for the Apple network. This is quite apparent in the styling of the app. It has the same clean, modern aesthetic that almost all Apple software has. Anyone who uses multiple Apple devices should certainly take advantage of this app.