Apple's FaceTime Is Coming to Android and Windows
2021-06-10
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1One of the iPhone's most popular features is FaceTime, the live video service often used to connect family members and friends.
2Currently, FaceTime can only be used by people using Macs, iPhones or other devices running Apple's iOS operating system.
3But Apple announced this week that is about to change.
4In the near future, FaceTime will be available for Android device users, as well as for computer users on the Windows operating system.
5Apple announced the news during its yearly Developers Conference.
6The change will come with the release of Apple's latest iOS 15 version.
7Apple says iOS 15 will first be launched in beta testing next month and will become available to all users in the autumn.
8Since the service will remain an Apple-only product, FaceTime calls will have to be started by someone using a Mac or iOS device.
9An Apple user can create a special internet link in the FaceTime app.
10This web link can then be shared with Android device users or people using Windows-based PCs.
11Links can be sent out by email, text message, messenger apps or social media.
12The non-Apple users can then use the link to join the call through their device's internet browser.
13When used in this way, the FaceTime service works similarly to the widely-used video conferencing tool Zoom.
14This new ability to create links also makes it easier for all FaceTime users to set specific call times and invite multiple people to join meetings ahead of time.
15Apple says that all FaceTime communication -- even on the internet -- is encrypted "end-to-end."
16This kind of encryption is designed to protect messages and other content from being seen or saved by third parties when it is passed between device users.
17The FaceTime changes come as video conferencing services saw a huge rise in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic.
18More people have turned to the services to stay connected while working from home and taking part in online learning.
19Apple also announced other changes to the FaceTime service.
20One new feature is called "spatial audio," which the company says makes voices during a call sound like they are coming from where the person is positioned on the screen.
21New microphone settings are designed to separate a user's voice from other noise.
22Users will also be able to see more faces when using Group FaceTime, Apple said.
23Another feature is called SharePlay, which permits screen sharing and real-time interaction between people during FaceTime calls.
24For example, device users can listen to music or watch television shows or movies together through FaceTime.
25The system is designed to keep everyone's playback in sync as they watch.
26Apple says SharePlay is set to work with several major media streaming services, including Disney+, ESPN+, HBO Max, Hulu, TikTok and others.
27I'm Bryan Lynn.
1One of the iPhone's most popular features is FaceTime, the live video service often used to connect family members and friends. 2Currently, FaceTime can only be used by people using Macs, iPhones or other devices running Apple's iOS operating system. But Apple announced this week that is about to change. 3In the near future, FaceTime will be available for Android device users, as well as for computer users on the Windows operating system. Apple announced the news during its yearly Developers Conference. 4The change will come with the release of Apple's latest iOS 15 version. Apple says iOS 15 will first be launched in beta testing next month and will become available to all users in the autumn. 5How does it work? 6Since the service will remain an Apple-only product, FaceTime calls will have to be started by someone using a Mac or iOS device. 7An Apple user can create a special internet link in the FaceTime app. This web link can then be shared with Android device users or people using Windows-based PCs. Links can be sent out by email, text message, messenger apps or social media. 8The non-Apple users can then use the link to join the call through their device's internet browser. When used in this way, the FaceTime service works similarly to the widely-used video conferencing tool Zoom. 9This new ability to create links also makes it easier for all FaceTime users to set specific call times and invite multiple people to join meetings ahead of time. 10Apple says that all FaceTime communication -- even on the internet -- is encrypted "end-to-end." This kind of encryption is designed to protect messages and other content from being seen or saved by third parties when it is passed between device users. 11The FaceTime changes come as video conferencing services saw a huge rise in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic. More people have turned to the services to stay connected while working from home and taking part in online learning. 12Other new features 13Apple also announced other changes to the FaceTime service. 14One new feature is called "spatial audio," which the company says makes voices during a call sound like they are coming from where the person is positioned on the screen. New microphone settings are designed to separate a user's voice from other noise. 15Users will also be able to see more faces when using Group FaceTime, Apple said. 16Another feature is called SharePlay, which permits screen sharing and real-time interaction between people during FaceTime calls. 17For example, device users can listen to music or watch television shows or movies together through FaceTime. The system is designed to keep everyone's playback in sync as they watch. 18Apple says SharePlay is set to work with several major media streaming services, including Disney+, ESPN+, HBO Max, Hulu, TikTok and others. 19I'm Bryan Lynn. 20Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from Apple and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. 21We want to hear from you. Will you try the FaceTime service if you get the chance? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. 22___________________________________________________________________ 23Words in This Story 24feature - n. a typical quality or important part of something 25app - n. a computer application or program used for a specific purpose 26browser - n. a computer system that permits you to look at pages on the internet 27encrypt - v. to change (information) from one form to another especially to hide its meaning 28screen - n. a flat area on an electronic device where images can be seen 29in sync - phr. a state in which two things move or happen together at the same time and speed 30stream - v. to play a show or movie over the internet