Apple kicked off its WWDC 2021 keynote with a heap of announcements for FaceTime as part of iOS 15 — including things like Spatial Audio and support for Android devices (kind of). In a world where many folks are still using video chat apps for remote work and family gatherings, improvements to an app like FaceTime are greatly appreciated.
FaceTime has long been one of the main draws of the iPhone. Similar to how iMessage is the go-to messaging app for iPhone users, FaceTime is often the app people gravitate towards for video calls to other Apple devices. Over the past year, however, FaceTime has started to look a bit less appealing. Services like Zoom and Google Meet exploded during the pandemic, largely thanks to their better accessibility and expanded features. Not wanting to be outdone by them, Apple is using iOS 15 to upgrade FaceTime in a few key areas.
Right off the bat, Apple says iOS 15 will allow FaceTime calls to sound better than ever. This results from a few different things, including Spatial Audio support and two new speaking modes — including the ability to block background noises, along with the option to enhance all surrounding sounds. For anyone that's been in a FaceTime call where someone was difficult to hear for one reason or another, all of these things should be a tremendous help.
What's more exciting than better-sounding FaceTime calls? How about the ability for Android and PC users to join them? iOS 15 adds the ability to create a FaceTime call using a standard URL, and if that URL is sent to someone on a Windows computer or Android smartphone, they can join the call through their web browser just like that. While it's not a proper FaceTime app for these platforms, it still marks the first time FaceTime has ever been accessible on non-Apple devices. Those URLs can also be associated with a scheduled time, making FaceTime more appealing as a Zoom or Google Meet alternative.
Last but not least, FaceTime in iOS 15 will be joined by a new API called 'SharePlay.' As the name suggests, SharePlay enables people in a FaceTime call to share videos, songs, or their screen with everyone. For example, if someone is in a FaceTime call and then opens the Disney+ app to watch a movie, everyone in the call will be able to join in and watch along. SharePlay has already been announced for Hulu, HBO Max, Twitch, TikTok, and plenty of other apps.
While it's unlikely businesses/schools will ditch their current video call apps for FaceTime, all of these updates are still fantastic to see. Especially for virtual family gatherings and hangouts out with friends across the country, iOS 15 should make these conversations considerably more enjoyable.
Source: Apple
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