New iPhone 4 Features 'Face Time' Video Chat

Dennis Faas's picture

Apple has given the world a glimpse of their latest smartphone offering, the iPhone 4, unveiling the product at the company's recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this past Monday in San Francisco. Apple is anticipating great things for the new smartphone, even going so far as to call it the "biggest leap" since the original model back in 2007.

Among its many impressive features, the iPhone 4 boasts a much sharper display, the new Apple iAd mobile advertising platform, and video capture. All of the features are eclipsed, however, by Apple's crown jewel: video chat.

iPhone 4 Users Get More 'Face Time'

"Face Time" is the name Apple chose to represent their new video chat feature. However, Apple confessed that there are some bugs that need to be worked out before video chat becomes common among smartphone users. As it stands, Face Time will only work between iPhone 4 smartphones using a WiFi connection at both ends. (Source: microsoft-bingsearch.com)

Apple CEO Steve Jobs also believes that more can be done with the current video chat feature. Said Jobs, "We need to work a little bit with the carriers before video calling migrates to cellular data networks."

Current plans have the 32GB version of the iPhone 4 selling at around the $299 mark. A 16GB model will also be available for about $199. Consumers can purchase both models from retail and online stores, including Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Apple also plans to retain the 8GB version of the iPhone 3GS and will sell this older model for $99. (Source: computerworld.com)

AT&T Commitment Required

iPhones purchased in the U.S. will require a two-year commitment for AT&T service. The good news, however, is that AT&T will waive its usual contract restrictions and allow any current subscriber who would be due for an upgrade in 2010 to purchase an iPhone 4 later this month.

The iPhone will be sold in the U.S. and four other unnamed countries, beginning on June 24, 2010.

Rate this article: 
No votes yet