Katie Marsal
This week Apple sent out e-mails to customers, letting them know that they could try out FaceTime by calling the toll-free 1-888-FACETIME (322-3846) number. The hotline is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CDT.
"Want to try FaceTime? Give us a call," the note reads. "An Apple representative will show you the basics and a few advanced tips. Before you call, make sure you have a Wi-Fi connection."
A user who calls Apple will talk to a representative who asks questions about the FaceTime configuration and Wi-Fi connectivity. They will then engage in a FaceTime conversation, and explain all of the features of the open standard found in the iPhone 4.
FaceTime is a new open standard announced by Apple earlier this month alongside the introduction of iPhone 4. It requires Wi-Fi to operate, and currently is only available when using two iPhones.
No setup is required, and the feature is enabled while on a call with someone. Either the front or rear camera can be used with FaceTime.
Because it connects solely over Wi-Fi, FaceTime does not use cell minutes, even though it is originated during a cellular call.
Apple has made FaceTime an open standard, in hopes that it will connect with other services and devices beyond the iPhone 4. Major chat services like Skype and Google Talk have said they are paying attention to FaceTime, but currently have no plans to implement it in their own respective chat clients.
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51 Comments
This is so gonna turn into appleroulette. It's magical!
Does anyone have the UK number? Unless of course Apple has decided to only provide the service to it's American customers.
Who's going to be the first lucky bastard at Apple who has a FaceTime chat with a hot chick in skimpy lingere?
Who's going to be the first lucky bastard at Apple who has a FaceTime chat with a hot chick in skimpy lingere?
Not quite along the lines of what I was thinking but I am sure there will be tales to tell from the group at Tech Support chosen for this duty.
Can't wait for the stories.
Who's going to be the first lucky bastard at Apple who has a FaceTime chat with a hot chick in skimpy lingere?
I'm not holding my breath on that one - and I assume you are talking about a chat roulette situation - and not making a statement about folks who answer the phones for apple - then again if apple had hot chicks in skimpy lingerie... more likely you accidentally get connected to one of those Ninjas we keep hearing about.
interesting that no other companies are looking into this - although in the case of a service such as Skype - that handles both audio and video - so how to bridge from a split cellular audio / WiFi video to a protocol that handles both could be an interesting challenge.
I wonder if you will be able to record a video call and or leave a video message (although the split audio/video thing comes to mind again).
Might make some interesting additions to the various late night phone chat services that are advertised on TV.
I would bet that more likely than a lucky chat roulette scenario - will will probably see some poor shmuck get a nude video conference from a drunken buddy at some inopportune time. or a message from Tiger Woods asking his girlfriend to Please, Please, wear a bag over your head before you answer so Elin doesn't see who you are.