FaceTime Supports Email-Based Calls in iOS 4.1 Beta 3

A new option in the iOS "Contacts" application will allow users of future, camera-enabled iPod touches to make FaceTime calls using an email address, according to the latest iOS 4.1 Beta 3 findings. Reportedly, the new option would allow FaceTime compatibility with devices that are not associated with a phone number. These include iPod touch and iPad.

Some of the early reports on iOS 4.1 Beta 3 point towards removed Game Center support for older devices. It seems that the iPhone 3G or second-generation iPod touch do not include support for the social network component any longer, while iOS 4.1 beta 3 is said to deliver updates and enhancements to AV Foundation and Media Player, GameKit, UIKit and MapKit.

Recently, MacRumors pointed out to a new option in the “Contacts" application which allows users to make FaceTime calls using either a phone number or an email address. This falls in line with rumors of an upcoming iPod touch packing a front-facing camera, as well as a back camera. According to the site, the first evidence for email address compatibility was actually unearthed in July, when alleged screenshots showing the option to associate email addresses with FaceTime emerged.

Earlier this week, an iPhone parts supplier sent MacRumors photos that claimed to portray the front LCD and bezel of the upcoming iPod touch. An front-sided hole that would house a front-facing, FaceTime camera is immediately visible in the photos. The part is market as belonging to Apple, according to the rumor site.

A camera-equipped iPad would also make sense, given the addition of the new function in iOS 4.1, although evidence of new tablet models is yet to surface. Apple has historically introduced newer iPod models every other fall. Should the company not alter its yearly schedule, iPhone 4 and iPod touch users may start video-chatting over Wi-Fi as soon as October 2010.