In today’s world, video calls are becoming increasingly important as people prefer a face-to-face interaction that voice-only calls don’t allow. FaceTime, a video-calling software developed by Apple, allows users to make real-time video calls to their contacts. This software is compatible with various Apple devices such as the iPhone 4, the fourth generation iPod Touch and Mac Computers running on the Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.4. But this severe limitation of FaceTime to a handful of devices is a major drawback for owners of previous versions of the iPhone or iPod Touch. As such, there arose a need for software similar to FaceTime that was not exclusive to a few devices. And because of this, companies are developing software to meet the ever-growing demand for clear, real-time video calls that can cater to a wider, more diverse audience.
One example of such software is Fring. Fring is a more flexible video-call software that runs on multiple platforms. It not only supported video-calls for the older generation iPhones but is also able to run on other 3G and Wi-Fi enabled smart phones as well. This software offers high-resolution graphics and is able to run in the background, while other tasks are running, for easier connectivity.
Fring users would be able to talk to their contacts on Skype but after a controversy that erupted between Fring and Skype, it is needless to say that the two companies are not the best of friends, and Skype would be better off developing its own video-calling software for Apple’s various handhelds. Skype is more than capable of producing an iPhone/iPod compatible video-call app that would allow two-way calling between Skype members on any Wi-Fi or 3G enabled smart phone. This would have a great advantage over Fring in that Fring only allows 2-way video-calls on iPhones with OS4.0.
Another FaceTime alternative that seems to be getting a lot of attention is Tango. This wonderful, recently-launched application is already a favorite among many people. It can make free video and voice calls over 3G, which is not possible in FaceTime, and once downloaded, it automatically adds contacts that are using the application as well. People who use Tango are highly impressed with its high-picture quality that transmits in real time, not to mention its clear, simply astonishing sound quality. Also, calls made using Tango seldom drop, which is a relief to a lot of people who have to constantly put up with video-calling software that fails. The flexibility of this app is another plus as it can make calls between iPhones and Android Phones. Additionally, invitations to this app can be sent easily via SMS or electronic mail.
These applications, among many others, are slowly changing the way calls are made and how people communicate with each other. FaceTime has been facing stiff competition from applications such a Fring or Tango because these apps provide more flexibility with fewer connectivity requirements. Given the rapid increase and development in applications, Apple should consider upgrading FaceTime for the iPhone or risk it being a distant memory in the minds of tomorrow.