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| Pic Credit: Apple |
The days of requiring an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to
participate in a FaceTime video conference are nearly gone. Apple is making it
possible for users with Android phones and Windows laptops to join FaceTime
calls with no iPhone required. This is widely considered as Apple's response to
Zoom video calls.
That is not to suggest that Apple devices are not
included. In fact, they're still so important to FaceTime's core functionality
that the system will rely on the future iOS 15 operating system, which is now
available as a public beta and is designed to appear and operate more like Zoom
and Microsoft Teams.
In addition to the ability of FaceTime to video chat
anyone outside Apple’s ecosystem, FaceTime also includes a new grid view, the
capability to plan meetings, and a watch party feature called SharePlay.
Here's how you'll be able to join FaceTime calls no
matter what device you're using, whether you're downloading the iOS 15
developer beta right now or waiting until the final version arrives in the
fall.
The most important thing for FaceTime calls on
Android or Windows is that you will be needed a link to join a FaceTime call.
If you have an Android or Windows device and a friend or family member who has
an Apple device, they can send you a link to join a FaceTime call by SMS,
email, WhatsApp, or a calendar invite.
Once you've obtained the link, simply click on it to
open it in your browser. You won't need to download a separate app or own an
Apple device to join the call from there.
One exception to this update: you'll need an Apple
device and an Apple account to schedule or start a FaceTime conversation. Then
you can share a link with friends to invite them to join using their browser on
Android or Windows devices — no Apple account is required. However, those people
won't be allowed to join the call until the Apple user who hosts it gives them
permission to join.
FaceTime calls are always end-to-end encrypted on
the web, according to Apple's WWDC keynote.
