Apple’s FaceTime Sets To Access Other OS Platforms, SharePlay Feature Launched

During the WWDC keynote, the iPhone maker also revealed its plans to make its FaceTime a versatile product whereby other OS platforms such as Windows, Android, and the Web can access Apple’s video call service. FaceTime has nevertheless been exclusive for devices built by Apple, including its Macs and iOS platforms.

The tech company made it worth noting that the new FaceTime will be flexible with its mode of service — just like its rivals, FaceTime is expected to function like Zoom, Teams, Skype, etc.

The next FaceTime version is expected to have referral links for sharing this service with convenience to users on other OS platforms, encouraging them to access Apple’s video calling service.

These links will enable users to join your FaceTime at scheduled timing. Still, the iPhone maker did not disclose in-depth details about FaceTime’s availability on other OS — for desktop users, Apple said its video call platform will be available in-between winter and summer — this vague information intends to intrigue its future users.

By the time when iOS 15 rolls out, the conferencing application is expected to be available for other OS platforms as well. Alongside iOS 15 forthcoming updates, FaceTime will also unveil new updates that isolate sounds appropriately — Apple dubbed this tool ‘SharePlay’ — this tool comprises of the combination of both video or audio content being able to play simultaneously with FaceTime.

SharePlay on Apple’s FaceTime allows users to stream media content in sync with others while the call is active. SharePlay also supports casting these contents further to Apple’s TV while users on the call can also watch or stream either music or a video file.

The sound separation is a tech integration Apple Music originally developed with Spatial Audio sounds that support FaceTime to queue up multiple Audio files. And with virtual aux, users can also change or skip ongoing content to avoid boredom.

While FaceTime is active, and either music or video file is selected, you can also see other people currently on the call — the attached file plays at the background of FaceTime, while the media plays in sync with everyone involved in FaceTime at the moment.

However, SharePlay is not exclusive to Apple’s products such as, its TV and Music platforms — this tool is an API that can be accessed by other tech companies, integrating it with their product service, including, TikTok, Snapchat, Hulu, etc.

Apple is reportedly developing SharePlay and FaceTime as an intertwined tool that shares its users’ screen autonomously — you can share your screen while FaceTiming. These interesting tweaks will be available when the next FaceTime update rollout — Apple is dedicating this tech for its desktop users.