14 DAY TRIAL // Introduced as a free application bearing a version number of 0.9 (build 92), FaceTime is now a paid download, after being silently added to the Mac App Store with a 1.0 version number.
FaceTime, Apple’s video chatting standard, is available for free to iPhone and iPod touch users, as well as those who still have the beta application installed on their Intel-based Macs.
However, now the new MacBook Pro includes what Apple calls a “FaceTime HD camera” which offers triple the resolution of the previous generation iSight camera “for crisp, widescreen video calls.”
Via the 99 cent app, the new camera allows high definition video calls between the new MacBook Pros, and supports standard resolution calls with other Intel-based Macs, as well as the iOS-based portables.
Luckily for those who pay $1,199 and up to get a brand new MacBook Pro, the 1-dollar app is included with the purchase:
“FaceTime is included with all new MacBook Pro models and is available for other Intel-based Macs from the Mac App Store for 99 cents,” Apple confirmed today.
“FaceTime for Mac makes it easy to talk, smile and laugh with friends and family on their iPhone 4, iPod touch or Mac,” the company describes its software on the Mac App Store.
To make their first conversation, users simply enter their Apple ID and call up someone who also has FaceTime, either on their iPhone, iPod touch, or Mac.
“Whether you're talking to someone on an iPhone or on another Mac, video calls with FaceTime look great. There's no better way to stay in touch with all your favorite faces,” Apple adds.
FaceTime is soon to be added to the iPad as well, should rumors of a dual-camera iPad 2 be true.
With Apple planning to make an unveiling next Wednesday, March 2nd, all will be revealed in good time.