[ashjf]

Why are apple so excited about face time on iPhone 4?
Do they not realise that video calls have been out for years now and is not really that popular!
Plus its only over Wi-Fi, and other handset allow it over the normal network.

[KesterK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashjf

Why are apple so excited about face time on iPhone 4?
Do they not realise that video calls have been out for years now and is not really that popular!
Plus its only over Wi-Fi, and other handset allow it over the normal network.

It will be over 3G from next year if it goes to Apple's plans. They also want it to become a standard in the industry so hoping to work with others. Its also free over wifi, thats new, other phones using 3G mean at the moment video call is very pricey.

[goomba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KesterK

other phones using 3G mean at the moment video call is very pricey.

Depends on the network - on O2 video calls are priced the same as any other voice call.

[iain]

So what are the reasons that video calls haven't caught on so far?

Iain

[denzil28]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iain

So what are the reasons that video calls haven't caught on so far?

Iain

because not everyone had the same technology in order for it to work properly.

With so many people getting the new iphone 4 it is a chance for the feature to really shine. All the other phones that have it have not sold in the same kind of numbers as the iphone has.

So, although the function has been available for years, this is it's chance to really shine with a simple to use and fairly widespread compatible base of use.

Remember, over wifi - iphone 4 to iphone 4 is only the first stage. When the app writers work the magic and imagination and have it working over 3g or between iphone and webcam, this is when it will really come into it's own and take off more than ever.

[psionic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by denzil28

Remember, over wifi - iphone 4 to iphone 4 is only the first stage. When the app writers work the magic and imagination and have it working over 3g or between iphone and webcam, this is when it will really come into it's own and take off more than ever.

It might not work too well if the networks are too stingy and cap the monthly data allowances

[Dark 1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashjf

Why are apple so excited about face time on iPhone 4?
Do they not realise that video calls have been out for years now and is not really that popular!
Plus its only over Wi-Fi, and other handset allow it over the normal network.

The big issue they're making of 'Facetime' (such a stupid name!) is not that they're first with video calling, but they're making it idiot-proof with no configuration necessary. Geeks won't get the appeal of that, but 'normal' people might.

[denzil28]

Quote:

Originally Posted by psionic

It might not work too well if the networks are too stingy and cap the monthly data allowances

Quite the opposite for the networks I think, they will be laughing all the way to the bank as everyone starts to go over their monthly allowance and pay for another 500mb at £5 a pop.

[KesterK]

In all honesty I don't think its needed on 3G anyway... how many of you are gunna sit on a bus and use it? I'll only ever use it at home anyway.

[Finglonga]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iain

So what are the reasons that video calls haven't caught on so far?

Iain

Probably as you have to hold the phone in front of your face and look a right twonk while doing it. It's fiddly and pointless IMO and will never take off.

[KesterK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finglonga

Probably as you have to hold the phone in front of your face and look a right twonk while doing it. It's fiddly and pointless IMO and will never take off.

I think as shown in Apple's promotional video there are some very practical reasons why it is a good idea, deaf people can sign over the phone, that is a really good reason why it should take off.

Also if someone goes away for whatever reason, work/holiday, they can connect over the hotel wifi and see their family/friends. Yea people can use webcams, but not everyone takes laptops with them when they go away, this is an ideal and practical (FREE!) way to see people.

[iain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finglonga

Probably as you have to hold the phone in front of your face and look a right twonk while doing it. It's fiddly and pointless IMO and will never take off.

holding the phone in front of your face, rather than at the side of your face is fiddly?

are you kidding me?

if i'm out and about with my iPhone, i'm usually listening through earphones, so i usually just talk into the phone like that anyway.

can't say i find it very fiddly. but maybe i'm just unusually supple.

do you mean it'll never take off in the same way that television will never take off, because seeing people is pointless when you can just hear them on the radio?

Iain