Sprint says it won’t charge for FaceTime over cellular

By Cody Lee on Jul 18, 2012

There’s been a lot of talk over the past few days regarding AT&T and the new FaceTime over cellular feature in  iOS 6. The carrier has yet to deny accusations that it will charge customers extra for Apple’s video calling service.

But it looks like Sprint customers can rest easy. A spokesperson for the company has just confirmed that it has no intentions of charging their subscribers extra for the new FaceTime feature… Read More

 

AT&T CEO comments on FaceTime charging rumors

By Cody Lee on Jul 17, 2012

We were pretty excited when we found out that FaceTime-over-cellular was coming in iOS 6. Finally, users would be able to natively video chat away from Wi-Fi networks (without jailbreaking).

Needless to say, our excitement dropped off yesterday when we found out that there’s a chance that AT&T is going to charge users separately for the feature, the way it does for mobile hotspot… Read More

 

Here’s why we think AT&T might begin charging for FaceTime over cellular [Video]

By Jeff Benjamin on Jul 16, 2012

This video showcases the new pop-up dialogue box that interrupts you when trying to enable FaceTime over cellular in iOS 6 beta 3.

Apparently, AT&T has a scheme in the works to pry more dollars from their iPhone customers. As Cody noted via Twitter, perhaps they’re thinking about rebounding after taking a hit on text messaging fees due to iMessage.

Take a look inside as we demonstrate the differences between an AT&T iPhone 4S, and a Verizon iPad 3, when attempting to enable FaceTime over cellular… Read More

 

Will AT&T charge to use FaceTime over cellular?

By Jeff Benjamin on Jul 16, 2012

It almost seems unthinkable, but there is a strong possibility that AT&T might charge to enable FaceTime over cellular capability in iOS 6. 9to5 Mac posted a screenshot that shows a dialogue box prompting the end user to contact AT&T in order to enable FaceTime over cellular. This is indicative that AT&T could perhaps plan on charging customers to use this feature, despite the fact that their customers are already paying for the data.

As Mark Gurman notes, this is highly similar to the process that users go through to enable the Personal Hotspot feature on the iPhone. Of course, we can’t say for sure whether or not this “feature” will make the final GM version of iOS 6, but I’d say it’s possible judging from the screenshot provided from the iOS 6 beta.

The question is this: Is AT&T brave enough to actually go through with this, further alienating an already highly pessimistic user base? I can smell the backlash already… Read More

 

More claimed next-gen iPhone fronts with centered FaceTime camera

By Cody Lee on Jul 15, 2012

It’s been an unusually eventful Sunday evening here at iDB. Earlier, The New York Times ran a report on the rumored “iPad Mini,” and now a new photo of purported next-gen iPhone components has surfaced.

The image you see above is a pair of iPhone fronts, supposedly from Apple’s next smartphone. And like the front panels we saw back in May, they depict a relocated FaceTime camera and an elongated display… Read More

 

FaceTime over cellular spells trouble for capped data users

By Cody Lee on Jun 12, 2012

During its WWDC keynote yesterday, Apple announced that the latest version of their mobile operating system, iOS 6, would finally include the ability to make FaceTime calls over cellular networks.

Considering that this feature has been restricted to Wi-Fi connections since it was introduced in 2010, this was a pretty big deal. But it could end up causing major problems for capped data users… Read More

 

FaceTime now working over cellular network, brings unified phone number and Apple ID

By Sebastien Page on Jun 11, 2012

Among the big announcements that were expected is some improvements to FaceTime. During today’s WWDC event, Apple senior vice president of iOS Software Scott Forstall announced that FaceTime will finally allow for calls over cellular network.

That means you are no more tied to your wifi network to have a FaceTime conversation with someone… Read More

 

Analyst: iPhone 5 will have thinner, better cameras

By Christian Zibreg on Jun 6, 2012

With the LinkedIn privacy scare and Google’s 3D maps taking over news today, we’ve seen little updates concerning Apple’s upcoming iPhone. Enter KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who argues in today’s note to clients that the next iPhone will use back and front cameras re-engineered with thinness in mind.

And if you’re new to iPhoneography, you’re probably thinking that a higher-resolution CMOS sensor is also in the cards. Not so fast… Read More

 

Rumor: next iPhone may feature an HD FaceTime camera

By Cody Lee on Jun 6, 2012

AppleInsider points to a new research note today from KGI’s Mingchi Kuo, an analyst it says is “known for having sources deep within Apple’s supply chain.” The note claims that Apple’s next smartphone could feature a new HD-capable front-facing camera.

The high resolution shooter, which would be a significant upgrade from the current VGA sensor used in the iPhone 4S, would allow users to make higher-quality FaceTime calls, and, according to Kuo, will be repositioned to the center of the handset… Read More

 

iPhone 5 front panel schematic reveals centered FaceTime camera

By Christian Zibreg on May 30, 2012

Another day, another leak. This one comes vi a Japanese blog with a somewhat mixed, albeit strong track record of Apple rumor reporting. The site published this morning an image that appears to be design schematic of the front panel of Apple’s next iPhone. It appears to corroborate previous leaks, also suggesting a slight FaceTime camera tweak… Read More

 

Apple again seen testing FaceTime over 3G

By Cody Lee on May 18, 2012

While folks in the jailbreak community have been able to make FaceTime calls on cellular networks for quite some time now, others haven’t been so lucky. Since it debuted in 2010, the video calling feature has remained Wi-Fi-only.

Today, however, evidence has surfaced that suggests Apple is testing a FaceTime over 3G option. The folks over at iDevice posted the above screenshot, which was taken from an error message pulled out of iOS 5.1.1… Read More

 

New iPad still doesn’t allow FaceTime calls over cellular connection

By Cody Lee on Mar 15, 2012

Even though it’s been around for a couple of years now, FaceTime has really struggled to gain massive user adoption. Mac and iOS owners just aren’t using it as much as you think they would for a free, no-hassle video-calling service.

One of the main reasons for its stumbles is the fact that iOS devices have not been able to make FaceTime calls outside of Wi-Fi networks (unless you’re jailbroken obviously). And it doesn’t look like that’s going to change with the new iPadRead More

 

Apple begins using ‘iSight’ branding for iPhone 4 and 4S rear cameras too

By Jake Smith on Mar 8, 2012

Mac users may remember Apple’s iSight branding for its standalone and built-in webcams. However in recent years, Apple hasn’t used the appellation, replacing it with the FaceTime branding. But bringing the term back, iSight was reintroduced during yesterday’s iPad announcement. Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller showed off the new iPad’s camera, which was given the name iSight.

As noted by MacRumors, Apple has also extended the iSight name to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S’s rear camera… Read More

 

Plastic surgeon offers FaceTime facelift, just so you look good when using FaceTime

By Sebastien Page on Feb 28, 2012

Ever thought you looked unattractive when using FaceTime? There’s a plastic surgery for that… Read More

 

The difference between an Apple TV and an Apple Television

By Oliver Haslam on Feb 21, 2012

All the talk these days – at least before all the iPad 3 rumors took over – has been about the much anticipated Apple Television. Apple has certainly not announced anything, and some of us still are not convinced that Apple needs to enter a crowded market, but those rumors just keep on coming.

I’m one of those that just doesn’t see why Apple needs to bring a television to market, especially considering there are already hundreds of TV manufacturers in the space that are all scrambling for market share. If Apple is to make an impact, then it needs to offer something that nobody else can. Something that differentiates.

The Apple TV that we currently know and love is a sign that Apple doesn’t yet take the home entertainment business seriously. Famously called a “hobby,” the Apple TV is a box that is full of potential yet seems almost held back. Almost neutered… Read More

 

’3G Unrestrictor 5′ is More Proof That the iPhone 4S Jailbreak is Imminent

By Jeff Benjamin on Jan 16, 2012

Need more proof that the iPhone 4S jailbreak is right round the corner? Then look no further than 3G Unrestrictor 5, the first tweak to our knowledge that outright claims support for the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 on its Cydia page.

3G Unrestrictor is a tweak that enables FaceTime calls and high quality YouTube streams over 3G. Its latest update brings iCloud Backups, and Photo Stream to the world of 3G as well.

It’s on sale for a limited time for $0.99 (existing customers), so if you think you’re going to need its services, especially on your newly jailbroken iPhone 4S, you might want to take a look inside. Read More

 

Facebook is Ready to Bring FaceTime-Like Video Calls to Messenger App on the iPhone

By Cody Lee on Dec 5, 2011

Earlier this year Facebook added Skype video calling to its social networking service. The new feature allows users to make free video calls to other Facebook friends from their computers.

We’ve been expecting Facebook to bring the service to the mobile space since it was introduced this summer, but we haven’t heard anything about it… until now. We’ve just gotten word that Facebook is testing a new Messenger app with the ability to make video calls. Read More

 

CallBar 1.0 Features Seamless iOS 5 Integration

By Jeff Benjamin on Nov 17, 2011

The latest update to CallBar will add seamless iOS 5 integration to the much loved jailbreak tweak.

CallBar 1.0, as it’s being called, is the same CallBar we reviewed back in July, only perfected.

Check inside for a video sneak preview of CallBar 1.0 before it hits Cydia… Read More

 

How to Enable Native FaceTime Over 3G Feature in iOS 5

By Cody Lee on Nov 16, 2011

In the onslaught of rumors that we saw leading up to Apple’s Fall iPhone announcement, there was talk that iOS 5 would finally allow users to make FaceTime calls over 3G. As most of you know, FaceTime has been limited to Wi-Fi since its introduction.

As it turns out, the option actually exists in iOS 5, it’s just hidden. Apple obviously isn’t ready to release it to the public. But as usual, hackers have figured out how to enable the secret feature… Read More

 

How Apple Predicted the iPad, Siri, and FaceTime 24 Years Ago

By Sebastien Page on Oct 6, 2011

Behind each great company, there is a great mission statement. Apple’s mission is to bring the best personal computing experience to consumers through its innovative hardware, software, and Internet offerings.

This mission statement has been driving Apple for years, fueling the company’s vision of what the future could look like, and then turning that vision into reality. In this video, you will see Apple’s 1987 vision of what we know today as the iPad, Siri, and FaceTimeRead More