Thanks to better cameras in mobile devices, video chat software on laptops and desktops went mobile with Apple?s extremely popular FaceTime app for iPhones in 2011. It took Google more than five years, but the tech giant finally countered with Google Duo in August 2016. Which is better? Here?s a look at the features of both and how they stack up.
Apple?s FaceTime
FaceTime works on any iOS device. When it first came out in 2011, it blew any other competing apps away when it came to getting reliable video chats on phones with great images. FaceTime works through any Wi-Fi connection or through a data plan purchased by the user. Once you download FaceTime to your iOS device, it automatically registers your phone number. Just sign in to register your user information.
Make a video call to another registered user through the person?s phone number or email address. You can switch to a video call during an ordinary phone call, and put a phone call on hold while you switch to video chat. The interface is very simple and easy to use. FaceTime employs a caller ID feature so you know who is calling.
Video quality depends on how solid your connection is between the two phones. A strong Wi-Fi or wireless signal means high-quality video without any lags. A weak signal in either area produces the opposite effect--expect to see some pixelated …show more content…
Duo works on Apple products, but FaceTime doesn?t work on Android products. Aside from that, both services are easy to use, have simple controls and utilize the same basic methods to communicate through video. Which of these apps you want to use really comes down to a personal preference. If you don?t like either of them, there are other big players in the video chat market who would love your
Apple?s FaceTime
FaceTime works on any iOS device. When it first came out in 2011, it blew any other competing apps away when it came to getting reliable video chats on phones with great images. FaceTime works through any Wi-Fi connection or through a data plan purchased by the user. Once you download FaceTime to your iOS device, it automatically registers your phone number. Just sign in to register your user information.
Make a video call to another registered user through the person?s phone number or email address. You can switch to a video call during an ordinary phone call, and put a phone call on hold while you switch to video chat. The interface is very simple and easy to use. FaceTime employs a caller ID feature so you know who is calling.
Video quality depends on how solid your connection is between the two phones. A strong Wi-Fi or wireless signal means high-quality video without any lags. A weak signal in either area produces the opposite effect--expect to see some pixelated …show more content…
Duo works on Apple products, but FaceTime doesn?t work on Android products. Aside from that, both services are easy to use, have simple controls and utilize the same basic methods to communicate through video. Which of these apps you want to use really comes down to a personal preference. If you don?t like either of them, there are other big players in the video chat market who would love your