Make FaceTime Calls
Videoconferencing on computers has been around for years—iChat, Skype, and Google Hangouts are just a few options. But as I’ve learned recently, a toddler’s desire to sit in front of a computer screen, even when talking to grandparents, is short-lived. FaceTime on the iPad brings video chatting to wherever you are, and the ability to switch cameras lets you follow your subject around or point to something you want to feature (like the child’s latest dance moves).
Set up your FaceTime account
FaceTime uses your Apple ID to identify itself on the network, so other people using FaceTime can connect with you. If you didn’t specify this information when you set up the iPad, here’s how to configure FaceTime.
1. Open the Settings app and select FaceTime in the left column.
2. Enter your Apple ID and password.
3. Tap the Sign In button.
Once you’ve entered your Apple ID, you can assign other email addresses (for example, if you don’t want to give out your Apple ID to others). In the FaceTime settings, tap the Add Another Email button and enter a valid email address. With multiple addresses available, a new Caller ID field appears, which is the address that appears in a friend’s copy of FaceTime when you call them. Tap it to choose from your list of addresses.
Set up a FaceTime contact
1. Tap the FaceTime app to open it.
2. Tap the Contacts button to view the people in your Contacts list. If you’re just starting out, the list may be empty. Otherwise, if you synced contacts from your computer, they should appear here. I’m assuming here you’re starting from scratch; if not, skip ahead to “Make a FaceTime call.”
3. Tap the + button to create a new contact.
4. Enter the person’s first and last name, phone number (if you know it), and email address (again, if you know it).
If the person owns an iPhone 4 or later, they’re capable of chatting via FaceTime using their mobile number. Other owners of camera-equipped iPads, or friends who have the FaceTime application installed on their Macs, are identified by their email addresses.
5. Tap Done to finish setting up the contact.
Tip
If you’re planning to travel outside your home country, FaceTime needs to know where you are so it can properly dial contacts whose FaceTime devices are accessible via phone number. In the FaceTime settings, tap your Account button, and then tap the Change Location button that appears. Lastly, tap Region and choose a country from the list. Tap the Save button to finish.
Make a FaceTime call
1. Tap the Contacts button to view your list of contacts.
2. Tap the name of the person you want to chat with.
3. Tap the person’s phone number or email address to initiate a call.
4. When the other person accepts the FaceTime request, you’re connected (Figure 29).
The small window in the corner displays what your camera is sending so you can make sure your face is in the frame. If you wish to move it to another corner, drag it there.
5. To switch between the iPad’s two cameras, tap the button at the left in the control bar. You can also mute the audio of your side of the conversation by tapping the Mute button at right.
6. When you’re finished with the call, tap the End button to disconnect.
Tip
FaceTime isn’t just for video! As long as both participants are using the app, you can have audio-only calls (which boast great sound quality).