It's probably the worst kept secret in Apple land, but quite a few people in the know think that we are about to get a new iPod touch & eventually an iPad with FaceTime. This is all because of the iOS4.1 beta, which has seen a new option to call a contacts FaceTime through email and not by phone numbers.
Now this is important because the iPad and iPod Touch don't have telephone functions, so it would seem that this morsel of info confirms that FaceTime will making its way to future camera enabled iPads and iPod touches in the future.
Apple is widely believed to be preparing to add at least a FaceTime-compatible front-facing camera to the next-generation iPod touch, which we talked about last week, and is rumored for introduction next month.
Several photos of claimed next-generation iPod touch parts have surfaced showing a hole in the front LCD assembly appropriate for a front-facing camera.
Apple’s iPad on the other hand has also been the subject of speculation regarding a front-facing camera, although no substantial evidence of such hardware has yet surfaced and a timetable for a refresh of the device remains unknown. It's just rumour at the moment. But you heard it here first.
Would a FaceTime enabled iPod Touch or iPad be a big selling point for you. Go nuts on the comments section below and let’s us know.
One thought on “Apple to add Email-Based FaceTime Support?”
A facetime enabled iPod could be useful, not so sure about an iPad. I guess it depends on how you use it.
I have notebooks and netbooks with integrated cameras but have never used them. However, video calling from a mobile device could be useful especially if you’ve been away from home a long time. The reasons for this are multiple but include the fact that it’s usually the device you have with you, and it’s much easier to move a small handheld device for the other person to get you in the frame – though image shaking compensation is really needed.
At present I have an iphone 4 and I guess when the rest of my folks get theirs we’ll be able to test out how useful it is! Until then, I can’t comment.