The biggest problem with testing Facetime is the dearth of real, hard-core nerds out there with iPhone 4s. I’ve been able to talk to Greg and my buddy Tom, but that’s about it.
Now, however, you can call 1-888-FACETIME (188832238463) and talk to an Apple rep live over Facetime. They’re available from 8am to 8pm CDT. I tried it. It actually works.
Facetime is probably the best feature of the iPhone 4. It’s seamlessly integrated into the experience and it allows for Skype-like video quality over Wi-Fi. Sadly, I don’t think it will be used very much. Seeing someone on a phone is much different than talking to them, especially since you feel compelled to look the other person in the eye while talking to them. It’s an odd feeling, a cross between an awkward meeting with your girlfriend’s parents and a chance head-butt on the bus. Plus you have to deal with mugs like mine.
Thanks, Scott
That was my tip :)
That’s what she said
If Steve Jobs is the one I’ll be having a ‘facetime’ conversation with, then no problem!
You want a funnier face? See Mr. Jobs and the Russian President, makes out on the new iPhone.
See? Even the president is holding it the wrong way!…
That’s what he said. :)
That’s what he said she said.
facetime is the gayest name ever.
It is quite the happy name, Mr. J. Pojo Pajamas.
They really should connect you to another random user also calling FaceTime.
Chatroulette 2.0?
That’s actually a really good idea.
That sounds like Chat Roulette…
ummm…wouldnt that be FaceTime Roulette?
We can call it FaT Roulette
Be ready for a lot of penis!
1-888-CHATROULETTE?
Even though it’s not sad, it’s about the saddest thing I’ve heard of in a long time.
iChatroulette anyone?
I’m guessing these Apple employees are going to need therapy by the time Apple shuts this down. Only so long before the sausage trolls start calling and sharing.
Haha yeah lmfao!
For those that have corp networks or firewalls that need a-unblocking, beg your administrators to open. Supposedly from an Apple phone rep:
Ports:
53
80 (normally open anyway for web)
443 (also for web, encrypted)
4080
5223
udp (source or destination)
16399-16472
Port 53 is theory should also already be open as it is for DNS services. Which is required to visit any web page.
It’s not required from a desktop, just from the DNS server, which might also be on your corporate LAN. It’s actually quite common for corporations to block 53 from desktop machines so users have no choice but to use the internal DNS servers and can’t switch to OpenDNS or something.
It’s like chatroullette on your phone!
While I do think you have a good point about staring at each other being odd, it is important to note that Facetime can be used with the front or the back camera. I found it much more enjoyable to stream various things from my back camera during talks rather than my nose hair :p
I’ll stream various things from your back camera.
This is so going to encourage Bud Wassup calls to Apple! “Wassssuuuupppp Stevie!?” “Just iChillin, using my rightie to talk to the ladies…”
I cannot get Facetime to work if I am connected to my AT&T Microcell. I’m connected Wifi in the office and it never presents me with the option.
I’ve tried two friends and the number above. Oh AT&T…. You make me buy more hardware to fix your crappy network in NYC and now I lose Facetime ability.
Sounds like you don’t know what you’re doing. Better quit soon.
” I tried it. It actually works.”
Excellent work TC, you guys are so cutting edge with your tech reviews. You really know what you’re doing. Way to set the bar so high.
Has anybody from the UK tested this? Doesn’t work for me, it may be because I restored from my 3GS’s backup though
The EVO can do the same thing I think.
I wanted to warn Java devs.
There are vendors still selling unsold copies of Macrovision software, but macrovision.com is no longer working, so it doesn’t activate anymore even with valid product keys.
http://bit.ly/9jruA6
Macrovision was acquired by Flexera under a group of VCs, and in order to upgrade they charge almost $5,000.
So I have managed this buy running the software under Virtual PC on a Vista image, but beware.
Install4j doesn’t do as many install targets.
Why must VCs destroy everything including product activation websites when they acquire companies?
Way to piss off customers and destroy value.
There is a reason why people text more than talk and that same reason is why Facetime will not last. People use text because it’s convenient and eliminates some awkwardness. Facetime goes the opposite direction. Andy Warhol comes to mind, he pointed out that people change when they are in front of a camera. With that being said I think it was a important mile stone that needed to be met for the public and now we can all move on knowing that Sci-fi films didn’t get everything right.
its good to know that lack of iphone 4 downgrades your friends to acquaintances :P
1-888-FAC-ETIM
So, you are telling me that Apple does not allow facetime on your expensive macs?
And can you request a lady Apple Rep?
Oh man, if I had one, I would totally call the Apple Rep naked!!
This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
Here’s how you can enable facetime on the iphone: http://blog.caneja.com/tips-tricks/iphone-tips-tricks/enable-facetime-on-the-iphone-4g/