Apple Opens FaceTime For Android Users, Stepping Up To Rival Zoom & Teams
Images via Apple
Apple’s FaceTime could soon rival Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week, the tech giant revealed that it is adding new features to its video-conferencing platform. One of the key announcements is that FaceTime will be coming to Google Android and Microsoft Windows devices, allowing users to access the video calls via a web browser.
Apple will also allow users to schedule calls, similar to how Zoom users can send out links to meetings in advance, as per CNET.
“You can generate a link for a FaceTime call and share it anywhere,” explained Apple’s Head of Software Craig Federighi.
Additional features include updates to improve FaceTime’s audio experience, with the introduction of spatial audio. This will make conversations sound like they’re happening in the same room, and voice isolation will help separate voices from background noises.
Plus, a new SharePlay function will allow you to watch television shows, Twitch streams, or TikTok videos with family and friends together over FaceTime. Initial partners to the function include streaming platforms such as Disney+, ESPN Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, MasterClass, NBA, TikTok, and Twitch.
These new features aim to bring Apple’s FaceTime closer to the likes of Zooms, Teams, and Google Hangouts.
As video conferencing has become a major part of our lives since the start of the pandemic, it’s no surprise Apple is stepping up its FaceTime features to compete with other similar platforms.
[via CNET, cover image via Apple]
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