[Apple WWDC] "Use FaceTime Instead of Zoom"... Available for Android and Web Users Too

[Asia Economy Reporter Joeslgina] From now on, Android smartphone and Windows PC users will also be able to participate in Apple's video calling service 'FaceTime.' Until now, it was only available on iOS and Mac devices such as iPhone and iPad. It is expected to become an alternative to 'Zoom,' which saw a rapid increase in users after COVID-19.

On the morning of the 7th (local time), Apple announced the latest iPhone operating system iOS 15 update, including this feature, at the online Worldwide Developers Conference 21 (WWDC21). In line with the untact era, it strengthened multitasking functions that allow sharing music, videos, etc., during video calls, and increased personalized convenience features such as Focus mode.

First, Apple allowed Android and Windows PC users, who are not based on Apple devices, to participate in FaceTime for the first time since its launch. Users can share video call links via messages, emails, etc., and join through the web.

AI-based noise cancellation and voice isolation features were added to clearly deliver speech by separating it from background noise. The wide spectrum feature allows hearing surrounding background sounds as well. During video calls, it is now possible to transmit only the user's voice without surrounding noise or listen to background music as if the other person is in the same space.

Additionally, the grid view feature was introduced to clearly identify who is speaking during the video call. A feature to blur the background around the person was also added.

Along with this, the 'SharePlay' feature allows sharing content such as music or real-time videos that participants want to listen to or watch together during video calls. This strengthens multitasking to enable various activities even during video calls. Apple plans to expand this feature not only to Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, but also to external applications such as Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Twitch.

This is seen as an attempt to attract video call demand scattered across Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc., by leveraging the powerful Apple ecosystem. As video call demand surged due to COVID-19 spread, including remote work and online classes, Apple has increased usability across platforms beyond Apple devices.

IT media The Verge said, "Android and Windows users can finally join FaceTime calls," and evaluated, "Apple is turning FaceTime into a Zoom-like service through updates. FaceTime will become an alternative to Zoom."

Economic media CNBC assessed the significance by saying, "FaceTime is supported across platforms (Windows, Android, etc.) for the first time."

Meanwhile, Apple also strengthened sharing functions within the Messages app through the iOS 15 update. In the 'Shared with You' section, users can more easily find content shared with them such as messages, news, and photos. Additionally, the Focus app supports personalized modes such as notification summaries, Do Not Disturb mode, and Focus mode according to individual schedules.