Do you have an iPhone, yet never used FaceTime?
My friend, who is a grandma of 4, is on her second iPhone yet has never used FaceTime. So for the grandmas out there, don’t be shy. FaceTime is a fun mobile app that you will enjoy using with your grandkids, especially if you don’ t get to see them often.
It is a real time video call. No recordings, no redos.
FaceTime is an Apple app that can only be used between Apple devices. It is similar to a telephone call but you are making a video call. You must also have an Apple ID to use FaceTime. When you set up your Apple device you are asked for details like phone number and email address. To make a call you need the other person’s phone or email address associated with their Apple ID.
A FaceTime call is also similar to a phone in the type of data that is collected during the call. The time and length of the call are captured. And although it uses your camera, the video and audio are not recorded. Of course, like a tape recorder, someone intentionally records the call.
It’s easy to use. There is a icon for the app on your iPhone. Open it, add a contact. NOTE: There is a contact list in FaceTime that is different than the Contact Apps. You can add contacts from the Contact Apps into your FaceTime contacts.
To make a FaceTime call you need either a cellular connection or a Wifi connection. The app may not be available on older Apple devices or devices in counties outside of the US.
Skype is other video call service. It uses your contact information associated with your Microsoft ID. (I signed up for Skype a long time ago and it is connected with gmail account.) Skype is available as a webpage or as an app, and you must be connected to a data plan.