[Apple WWDC] "FaceTime Instead of Zoom" Video Calls with Shared Video and Music (Comprehensive)

Apple to Host WWDC 2021
Introducing Features of iOS 15

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Joesulgina] From now on, not only iPhone users but also Android smartphone and Windows PC users will be able to join Apple's video call service 'FaceTime.' They can watch their favorite movies or listen to music together while video calling with family and friends.

This is expected to become an alternative to 'Zoom,' whose user base surged rapidly after COVID-19. Until now, FaceTime was only available on iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, and Mac devices.

On the morning of the 7th (local time), Apple revealed the latest iPhone operating system update, iOS 15, including this feature, at the online 'Worldwide Developers Conference 21 (WWDC21).' This event is where Apple discloses upcoming OS updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac to app developers in advance. iOS 15 is scheduled to be released this fall.

The iOS 15 update unveiled that day focuses on enhancing video calling, sharing, multitasking features, and expanding personalized convenience functions such as Focus Mode to keep pace with the untact (contactless) era after COVID-19.

◆"Catch Zoom" FaceTime Now Open to Android and Windows PC Users

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

AI-based noise cancellation and voice isolation features have been added to clearly separate speech from background noise. The wide spectrum feature allows users to hear surrounding background sounds as well. During video calls, it is now possible to transmit only your voice without surrounding noise or listen to background music as if the other person is in the same room.

Additionally, a 'Grid View' feature will be introduced for group calls, arranging participants in a grid so that it is easy to identify who is speaking during the call. A background blur feature around the person has also been added.

Moreover, the 'SharePlay' feature allows users to share content such as music or real-time videos during video calls. This strengthens multitasking capabilities during calls. It will be available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple plans to expand this feature not only to Apple TV Plus and Apple Music but also to external applications like Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Twitch.

This move is seen as an attempt to leverage Apple's strong ecosystem to attract video call demand scattered across platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. With the surge in video call demand due to COVID-19-driven remote work and online classes, Apple has increased usability across platforms beyond Apple devices.

IT media The Verge stated, "Android and Windows users can finally join FaceTime calls," adding, "Apple is transforming FaceTime into a Zoom-like service through updates. FaceTime is becoming an alternative to Zoom." Economic media CNBC evaluated the significance by saying, "FaceTime is supported across platforms (Windows, Android, etc.) for the first time."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

◆"Filtering Hundreds of Notifications" Focus Mode

Apple has also enhanced convenience features such as 'Focus Mode,' allowing users to check hundreds of notifications per day tailored to their personal schedules.

By setting modes like 'Do Not Disturb,' 'Working,' 'Sleeping,' or 'Custom,' on-device intelligence filters notifications based on past usage, allowing only high-priority alerts from selected people and apps. Non-urgent notifications are collected in a new notification summary and delivered later. During work, only work-related apps and messages are shown; during personal leisure time, only notifications from friends and acquaintances appear. Once set, these settings automatically apply to Mac, iPad, and other devices.

Apple also strengthened the sharing feature within the Messages app through the iOS 15 update. The 'Shared with You' section makes it easier to find content shared with you, such as messages, news, and photos.

Additionally, a Live Text feature was added, where AI recognizes handwritten notes, signs, and documents captured by the camera and converts them into text. It is possible to convert content written on a blackboard during class into text or make a call directly from a phone number on a signboard. This feature supports seven languages but does not yet support Korean.

◆Using iPhone as an ID at Airports

The iPhone can also be used as a digital ID. Users can scan their driver's license or ID and import it into the Apple Wallet app. Apple announced that it is in talks with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow iPhones to be used as IDs at airports.

Additionally, a feature allowing the iPhone to replace hotel keys during check-in will be added. This feature will be available at Hyatt hotels worldwide.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The Maps and Weather apps will also be revamped. For Maps, a feature will be introduced that reproduces landmarks, commercial districts, and highway interchanges with overpasses in 3D in major cities. Scanning the surrounding environment with the camera will enable augmented reality (AR) navigation. Guidance has been refined to automatically re-search if a user gets off at the wrong stop while using public transportation. These features will first be introduced by the end of this year in major U.S. cities, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Australia. The Weather app layout has been improved to change backgrounds according to weather changes such as clear, cloudy, rain, or snow, making it more intuitive.

Meanwhile, no new hardware products such as the anticipated new iPad Pro or AirPods 3 were unveiled at WWDC21.