FaceTime Launches on Mac App Store

ByMike Moffit

In the midst of yesterday’s MacBook Pro updates, Apple quietly debuted version 1.0 of its previously beta FaceTime video calling software. The app—which was introduced at last October’s ‘Back to the Mac’ media event—landed in the Mac App Store yesterday for $0.99. Strongly affiliated with the FaceTime HD cameras featured in the new Pros, the app allows for video calls to be made to a range of Apple devices. Most notably iPhone 4 and the 4th generation iPod touch, users can also make calls Mac to Mac. As the newest MacBook Pro models support 720p HD video calls, users can go face-to-face in glorious full screen HD.

Though only capable of sending standard definition video themselves, some older Intel Macs can receive HD video calls from the newest Pros. A full list of compatible machines can be found here. It’s also worth noting that since FaceTime is only available in the Mac App Store, prospective buyers must have Mac OS X 10.6.6 installed to use it. Although the number of machines capable of placing HD video calls is fairly limited, it’s a safe bet Apple will be implementing the higher end webcams into future iterations of popular machines. In the meantime, users with the latest and greatest can relish in being part of the high definition elite.

FaceTime comes included with the MacBook Pro models announced yesterday. Users with compatible older machines can download the app here.

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