The “one more thing” from Steve Jobs was something we all expected – video calling on the iPhone 4. What was not expected was how it put American Sign Language users in the spotlight, at the very end of the FaceTime video.
At the same time Jobs announced FaceTime, he explained that FaceTime was built on existing standards and would be submitted as an open standard. It uses H.264 and SIP, so it may very well be compatible with SIP videophones out there. However, for the time being, FaceTime will only work between two iPhone 4′s over WiFi. Jobs stated that they are working with the phone carriers to allow it over 3G next year.
The other interesting thing about FaceTime is that it apparently is integrated with the iPhone 4′s phone application. Jobs said that there was “no configuration” needed. If this means that FaceTime is integrated with a real telephone number, that is a big thing for deaf video callers. Apple may have solved the 10 digit issue here in an elegant way that does not have us depending on VRS providers to give us a 10 digit number.
I am very curious and looking forward to seeing the open standard information that Apple is going to post today. It also means that AT&T may need to reconsider the revised TAP plans, making them more generous or bringing back the unlimited plan – because metering video data would not be very fair to deaf users. In any case, I’m very excited about this! Apple knows we want this. :)
Jun 8, 2010The only question I have right now is- it seemed to place a voice call first before enabling facetime. Does that mean we will be charged for voice minutes as our TAP plan doesnt have any voice on it. Can you try to find out more information regarding this?
Many Thanks
Jun 8, 2010Yes, agreed. It may be matter of accessing to the customer’s iPhone account and choose their preferred VRS provider. Easy solution from the big picture. :)
Jun 8, 2010Yeah, Agreed. VRS provider will have to develop new APPS for iphone, ipod, and iPad (future if web-can). I don’t think so on FaceTime for VRS but only point to point.
Jun 8, 2010I went to AT&T VRS customer service webpage and emailed them to have AT&T VRS on iPhone 4. I hope you all will do the same. rm-attcustomercare@att.com
Jun 9, 2010I’ve heard that you can initiate and/or receive FaceTime calls outside the regular voice context — so starting a FaceTime conversation without a voice call should be no problem at all.
Jun 9, 2010To #2, you brought up a very valid point.
Now, we know that iPhone 4 will be used thru wi-fi not the cellular tower, does this still mean we are to use through a phone and be charged for the “video call”?
Jun 9, 2010My understanding is that it should be all WiFi (if you can make calls outside of the regular voice context — see above).
Jun 9, 2010Plato: It all depends on how aggressive VRS providers are going to be in adopting the FaceTime standard, which will also depend on how soon the FaceTime standard is adopted as an open standard. Tell your VRS provider you’d like to have them support FaceTime – thats probably the best way to encourage it to happen.
Jon, JP, etc: Based on comments here and elsewhere, I do not think we will be charged for FaceTime calls since they will be WiFi based calls, and not dependent on voice numbers. However, once FaceTime is allowed over 3G, we may need to talk to AT&T about giving TAP plan users an unlimited option, or more generous plans. Remember TTY users were able to get discounts on long distance bills due to calls taking longer than normal voice calls. Same principle applies here.
Ward: I would love to see VRS companies come out with their own video apps for the iPhone 4, or even 3rd parties writing video apps compatible with VRS (look at xmeeting, which is open sourced and could be ported over). Several questions remain regarding this – 1. Will Apple allow access to the hardware API’s for the video cameras? 2. If so, will Apple then approve these type of apps? 3. Will Apple only approve the apps if they run only over WiFi, just like their own FaceTime, or will they allow them to work over 3G? (unlikely, IMHO).
Let me make things more even more confusing here, ha – iPhone hackers have already gone on record stating that they are going to fix FaceTime so that it’s fooled into thinking that it’s on WiFi when it’s really on 3G, enabling video calling anywhere. (3G Unrestrictor does pretty much the same thing today on the current iPhone 3G hardware) LOL
Jun 14, 2010VRS and IP-Relay are popular for deaf community to use for wireless phone service. AT&T does provide VRS and IP-Relay for the deaf. You can speak out to AT&T to provide the relay services in iPhone 4.
Jun 15, 2010Since Facetime is open standard. Does it mean it will work on HTC EVO and Noika?
Jun 15, 2010Fought through the web crunch with fang and claw today to pre-order a 32GB black iPhone 4. Look at all those Apple fanboys scrambling over that cliff today!
Phew, what a day on June 15th!
Jun 15, 2010No need to fight through the web or phone. Go to the apple store app on your iphone and it will reserve the iphone 4.
Jun 15, 2010Not if you upgrade, it has to be done at AT&T in order to retain the existing plan. If via Apple, you have to open a new voice plan then get a new TAP plan via AT&T then try to retain your old existing TAP plan for the new iPhone. Which is better is up to you.
Jun 16, 2010600,000 iPhone pre-orders yesterday, oh brother! I just found out that my ‘lost’ first pre-order went through the infamous AT&T meltdown and my successful second order was confirmed then cancelled. The only question for me today is did I get one of the June 24 iPhone 4′s or not.
Jun 18, 2010I was told that it is recommended for deaf to get 32gb iPhone 4 to use face time video? I don’t think GB matters in regard of using face time video. What counts is the amount of RAM. right? I understand that RAM size has doubled in new model.
Jun 19, 2010Only if you want to store movies for travel needs, more storage will be needed. Yes, the doubled RAM size was confirmed for iPhone 4. Unless you want to show a million photos to your weary friends, no need for more storage. However if you love to take videos on your new iPhone 4, 32GB is a must as a minute video clip will take about 230 MB.
Sorry, comments are closed.
9:49 am
How soon before this new open standard FaceTime will be approved and adopted so our existing videophones can be updated to meet this pending standard is the QUESTION of the day, tomorrow or a decade later?