FaceTime is coming to Android — but in the worst way possible
FaceTime is coming to Android — but in the worst mode possible
During the WWDC 2021 keynote, Apple announced something unthinkable. FaceTime, the company's proprietary video calling software, will be attainable on not-Apple tree devices for the start time.
This is a large deal, because Apple's system lock-in means information technology's rare for Apple software to be usable on other devices. But this announcement is somewhat bittersweet, because when look at how FaceTime on Android and Windows actually works, it comes across as lazy posturing on Apple's part.
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The thing about this news is that Apple tree wasn't announcing a new FaceTime app for Android and Windows devices. Instead information technology's releasing a spider web interface for its video-calling software, one that Android and Windows users can dial into and take part in. From the sounds of things, non-Apple users will only exist able to join pre-scheduled calls via a link, and won't be able to set calls up themselves.
It'south the absolute bare minimum endeavour at making FaceTime cross-platform, and I use the term "cross-platform" very cautiously. But this shouldn't be a huge surprise because Apple has e'er been very much confronting launching its software on other platforms.
Apple's ecosystem is locked in, and that's not changing
The fact is that the Windows and Google Play stores each have 3 Apple-made apps available to download. Android has Apple Music, the Beats companion app, and the very self-serving 'Move to iOS', while Windows has iTunes, iCloud and Apple tree Idiot box.
The Apple Television set app is not on Android, but you tin get information technology on a wide range of other streaming devices. This includes the likes of Roku, Google TV with Chromecast, the PS5 and Xbox Series X, in addition to Apple tree's ain Apple tree Idiot box 4K. The only way to get Apple Television receiver on Android is through the browser correct now.
Presumably this move, like bringing Apple Music to Android and browsers, was to help bring in subscriptions to Apple Television set Plus. Because there's no logical reason for keeping the service's original content exclusive to Apple tree devices if there's money to exist made elsewhere.
Obviously that's never been the instance with FaceTime or iMessage. Both are free services, and have been 1 of the master selling points of locking yourself into the Apple ecosystem. Apple itself admitted that, as we plant out during the ongoing app shop dispute with Epic Games.
Back in 2013, only 2 years after the launch of iMessage, Apple executives reportedly killed a project that could have brought the service to Android devices. Documents revealed that Craig Federighi SVP of Software and Engineering who is in charge of iOS, and Phil Schiller, who is in charge of the App Store, were very much against the thought.
Federighi was quoted as saying that making iMessage cross-platform would "merely serve to remove [an] obstacle to iPhone families giving their kids Android phones", as well equally claiming that it would exist a "horrible idea" to "make it easier for someone to switch abroad from our platforms."
With that context it'south very easy to figure out why FaceTime has been adapted in this style, and non developed into a full cross-platform app that users could download as they would if they were using an iPhone or Mac.
What Apple should exist doing instead
It honestly feels like a half-hearted response to the Epic Games trial, with Apple offering a token version of one of its services on other platforms. Apple tin now say "nosotros're non locking all our software on our ain devices, look!".
To meridian it off, this new spider web-based FaceTime volition be arriving xviii months after the COVID-19 pandemic made it essential for people and businesses to invest in video calling software. The market is basically saturated at this signal, and Apple'due south half-hearted endeavour to bring FaceTime to non-Apple users feels likewise little, too tardily.
If Apple really cared virtually bringing not-Apple users into the fold, it would take the plunge and launch FaceTime as its ain app on other platforms. Ideally, the app would give Android and Windows users the verbal same abilities and freedoms afforded to those on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Improve still, Apple should be bringing iMessage along for the ride. Video calling is great when needed, only at that place'south a reason why text messaging is equally popular as it is. It's easier, faster and a heck of a lot more convenient for coincidental conversation.
If Apple is willing to let users with other devices utilise FaceTime, and bask all the associated privacy-centric privileges it offers, it should be a two-pronged approach. Because there's piddling point in allowing users to communicate over secure video channels if they're otherwise communicating via the very unsecure SMS.
The only alternative for cross-platform groups would be to apply a unlike service entirely, pretty much all of which offer text, voice, and video services. That automatically makes those services more highly-seasoned in the long run, and lets people communicate using all those different methods without swapping apps or windows.
Merely I have absolutely no promise that Apple tree will be willing to even consider that.
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Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/facetime-is-coming-to-android-but-in-the-worst-way-possible
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