FaceTime Launching on Apple TV With iPhone and iPad Camera Support

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced that FaceTime is launching on Apple TV as part of tvOS 17. The feature will take advantage of Apple's Continuity Camera feature, allowing for people to use a wirelessly connected iPhone or iPad camera to participate in a video call.

Users will be able to start a FaceTime call directly from the new FaceTime app on Apple TV, or hand off a FaceTime call from an iPhone or iPad to your TV. The feature requires a second-generation Apple TV 4K or newer updated to tvOS 17, as well as any iPhone or iPad model updated to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 for camera and microphone functionality.

FaceTime on the Apple TV supports Center Stage, an existing feature that keeps people perfectly framed on the screen, even as they move around. New gesture-based reactions allow callers to use their hands to initiate on-screen effects, such as hearts or fireworks. FaceTime calls can be transferred back to an iPhone or iPad as needed.

tvOS 17 and iOS 17 are available in beta starting today, and the software updates will be released to the public later this year.

Article Link: FaceTime Launching on Apple TV With iPhone and iPad Camera Support

 

[ID_Field_Blank]

I like this! Does anybody know what phone stand that is they’ve used in the screenshot above? Looks quite nice

 

[dugbug]

I have wanted this for so long. we usually throw the iphone display up on the tv and its awkward to set up.

 

[F23]

I like this! Does anybody know what phone stand that is they’ve used in the screenshot above? Looks quite nice

the belkin

 

[djc6]

I like this! Does anybody know what phone stand that is they’ve used in the screenshot above? Looks quite nice

If you have a 3D printer, there are a variety of designs you can print that will sit on a table:

Search: continuity camera | Printables.com

Printables.com is an ever-expanding 3D model database for all 3D printer users around the world. Download free 3D printable models, take part in regular design contest, discuss 3D printing with other users, and collect physical and digital rewards for your activities.

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[oofio2461]

Nice, but I wonder what's the lag of this.

 

[ttyRazor]

This is so obvious it’s painful. Here I was hoping for a HomePod soundbar with a Facetime camera; this is so much better.

 

[iFunk]

Awesome. Long awaited feature in our home.

 

[sublunar]

Excellent idea, going to potentially speed up upgrades

 

[ttyRazor]

Nice, but I wonder what's the lag of this.

it’d be interesting if the camera + mic is one connection and the display on your apple TV is another, rather than an extra hop from phone to apple tv to the other person (or people) you’re talking to.

 

[Slippery Gimp]

I’ve had FaceTime on the phone, set it under the tv and then mirrored the screen into the tv, isn’t that the same sort of thing?

 

[Tramalon]

the belkin

Not so sure. This base looks like something new. It has a formed base that’s different from the other Belkin continuity mounts.

I came here looking for an answer to this. Excited for this new feature!

 

[jjMMpp]

Dumb as ****! Instead of having to right 150K lines of code to fix a problem they caused by not putting a USB port on the Apple TV.

 

[gk_brown]

Dumb as ****! Instead of having to right 150K lines of code to fix a problem they caused by not putting a USB port on the Apple TV.

Agreed - using the phone as a camera/mic seems like a hack to work around the fact that the ATV doesn't actually support peripherals.

 

[jjMMpp]

What I would love to do is use my Apple TV as a music server of sorts, and then a USB connected DAC. Wishful thinking I know... Apple... letting people outside of their straight-jacket walled paradise.

 

[jgolds]

Dumb as ****! Instead of having to right 150K lines of code to fix a problem they caused by not putting a USB port on the Apple TV.

You really don’t know how business works. Now companies will insist on iPhone so they replace their web conferencing software

 

[McWetty]

Can’t say I’ll use FaceTime on Apple TV like they expect, but I’m glad to see this first step. Hoping for a HomePod Show to fill the gap.

 

[akatsuki]

I wish I could hook up a webcam to an AppleTV to make this work.

 

[bradbomb]

I’ve had FaceTime on the phone, set it under the tv and then mirrored the screen into the tv, isn’t that the same sort of thing?

Have you ever tried to mirror in landscape mode, has never worked for me. Always shows only in portrait mode and that makes having it on the tv really small

 

[Jgreg00]

Agreed - using the phone as a camera/mic seems like a hack to work around the fact that the ATV doesn't actually support peripherals.

Nah, being able to use am iPhone which has a much higher quality camera and microphone and which people already have is much better than having to purchase a webcam which will generally get minimal use. People with wall mounted TVs, especially nicely integrated ones or like a Frame, are gonna leave webcams plugged in? No. It's also much easier to move and aim a phone than a wired webcam.

 

[mossimossimossi]

I guess a phone stand set up on the coffee table will work in a pinch but I can see them coming out with the HomePod + Camera or just an updated iSight camera!

 

[PhoenixDown]

I really wish we had this back in 2020...

 

[Johnny907]

I really wish we had this back in 2020...

I mean that's Tim Cook's Apple: bringing us new things a couple years after we really needed them.

 

[dpfenninger]

Can anyone confirm that FaceTime on tvOS 17 requires the 4K Apple TV? I'm still on an Apple TV HD, but I've been pining for FaceTime on my TV for years...so this may be the nudge I need to finally upgrade my Apple TV if it does indeed require the 4K version.

 

[markfc]

3 years too late but hey Ho. Was hoping for a combined Dolby Atmos AppleTV Soundbar with built in FaceTime cam.