FaceTime audio calls finally arrive on OS X in latest Mavericks beta
When Apple seeded the first OS X Mavericks 10.9.2 beta build to developers on Thursday, it was discovered that FaceTime audio had been quietly integrated into the Messages and FaceTime apps, suggesting the company will soon bring its first-party VoIP solution to the Mac.
According to people who have used the new FaceTime audio for Mac, Apple has seamlessly integrated the voice over IP service into both the FaceTime app and Messages, complete with the usual graphical user interface and easy access to contact information.
As seen in the screenshot above, the UI itself is spartan, with an audio levels indicator, talk time, and call/end button accompanying a contact's name and avatar. During a call, users now have the option to switch between audio and video modes via a new button next to the mute switch.
In the beta, access to audio-only FaceTime calling can be accomplished through the FaceTime app as well as directly from Messages. Seen below, Apple has integrated a call button with a phone icon next to the FaceTime video's camera icon at the top of every Messages window.
Currently, the iOS implementation of FaceTime audio delivers a better-sounding call, say people familiar with the service. When making calls in certain environments, some noted poor audio quality, with artifacts and substantial echo heard on the receiving end. The issues are most noticeable when first establishing a connection, but usually stabilize after a few seconds.
Any existing bugs will likely be worked out in future builds and it is possible that Apple will fine tune the dual microphone setups in current Mac hardware to deliver higher fidelity audio than presently offered in FaceTime video calls.
With FaceTime audio possibly showing up in the public version of OS X 10.9.2, users will have yet another VoIP option to choose from. A number of messaging services already have voice calling on offer, and Skype has been a long-standing dominator in the sector. But a built-in turnkey solution from Apple would no doubt be an attractive alternative, especially given the company's installed iOS user base.
According to people who have used the new FaceTime audio for Mac, Apple has seamlessly integrated the voice over IP service into both the FaceTime app and Messages, complete with the usual graphical user interface and easy access to contact information.
As seen in the screenshot above, the UI itself is spartan, with an audio levels indicator, talk time, and call/end button accompanying a contact's name and avatar. During a call, users now have the option to switch between audio and video modes via a new button next to the mute switch.
In the beta, access to audio-only FaceTime calling can be accomplished through the FaceTime app as well as directly from Messages. Seen below, Apple has integrated a call button with a phone icon next to the FaceTime video's camera icon at the top of every Messages window.
Currently, the iOS implementation of FaceTime audio delivers a better-sounding call, say people familiar with the service. When making calls in certain environments, some noted poor audio quality, with artifacts and substantial echo heard on the receiving end. The issues are most noticeable when first establishing a connection, but usually stabilize after a few seconds.
Any existing bugs will likely be worked out in future builds and it is possible that Apple will fine tune the dual microphone setups in current Mac hardware to deliver higher fidelity audio than presently offered in FaceTime video calls.
With FaceTime audio possibly showing up in the public version of OS X 10.9.2, users will have yet another VoIP option to choose from. A number of messaging services already have voice calling on offer, and Skype has been a long-standing dominator in the sector. But a built-in turnkey solution from Apple would no doubt be an attractive alternative, especially given the company's installed iOS user base.
Comments
Finally I'll have something that I can hold up to my ear that is bigger and better than a Samsung Galaxy user's phone!
iChat supported it just fine.
However in the meantime I'm looking forward to FaceTime Audio, Mac style.
Anyone remember CU-SeeMe?
It's VoIP for the Mac.
The carriers might complain, but they've lost that battle already. With GChat and/or Skype available on almost every smartphone available, anyone who wants this service already has it. Voice is no longer worth selling, and the prices for voice plans are plummeting.
I think Apple could charge a reasonable value for unlimited North America calling, I would pay $4.99 a month for that I think. What is an equivalent Skype plan these days?
This will be *actually useful* on a *broad scale* when Apple adds a dial-out-to-POTS service, like the one in GChat. It doesn't even have to be free.
The carriers might complain, but they've lost that battle already. With GChat and/or Skype available on almost every smartphone available, anyone who wants this service already has it. Voice is no longer worth selling, and the prices for voice plans are plummeting.
I think Apple could charge a reasonable value for unlimited North America calling, I would pay $4.99 a month for that I think. What is an equivalent Skype plan these days?
Sounds good in practice but the suggestion makes me cringe because it's really not straightforward. Apple users would have to get a new phone number as well. There was only one Grandcentral and Google bought them. I'm not sure Apple would want to start from scratch on something like this.
Sounds good in practice but the suggestion makes me cringe because it's really not straightforward. Apple users would have to get a new phone number as well.
Dial-out only. GChat, not GVoice.
Dial-out only. GChat, not GVoice.
Got it. That makes sense. It would be a nice feature. I just think it might prove distracting. Someone might want to receive calls or go so far as ditching a traditional phone altogether. Apple may need to be ready for that. Even Skype has the Skype-In as an a la carte feature. Anyway, discussion of the details aside, if Apple tackled it you know it would be done right.
I wonder if there are any plans to merge the Phone, iChat, FaceTime and/or Messages apps in a future version of iOS and OSX? Would be handy to have everything in one app/location (speaking for myself).
FaceTime audio = oxymoron
Not really.
It likely means that any iDevice becomes a phone and can use whatever dataplan available. This seems to have implications for cell phone companies that may track minutes but not data, or companies like magicjack.
You have any computer that can run FaceTime and is on a network, you can make calls.
It does seem like an Oxymoron, but it's a good money-saving way to deal with a phone call.
There's no point in facetime when Skype is ubiquitous and available on every single platform.
I wonder if there are any plans to merge the Phone, iChat, FaceTime and/or Messages apps in a future version of iOS and OSX? Would be handy to have everything in one app/location (speaking for myself).
You've got my vote on that. I'm kind of annoyed at all these different little tiny apps to communicate.
Google seems to have the edge up on this as you can even do a videoconference or chat within Google+ email. I'd just like to make sure I allowed access to various apps due to the "FaceBook" embedded nonsense.
Haha - it is an oxymoron.
That doesn't mean I don't think it's good - I think it's great. It's FaceTime without the face to face ;p
Hot Diggerty!
Finally I'll have something that I can hold up to my ear that is bigger and better than a Samsung Galaxy user's phone!
Phew, scratch the iPhablet too.