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It seems incredible, and yet it is: with the introduction of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 in the latest Apple event, the Cupertino company has at least partially opened the doors of FaceTime to Android and Windows users. With the latest FaceTime update, it is possible to join a video call from any platform through a web interface, now in beta.
Don't rush to cheer, though - this addition is a long way from achieving a full FaceTime user experience on other operating systems as well. Apple, which is known for the tendency to create a closed ecosystem, has not yet realized the dream of an access to iMessage even for Android and Windows users, but the progress made with FaceTime bodes well for the future.
How to join a FaceTime call over the web
FaceTime now features a web interface accessible via Android, Windows, or ChromeOS. The technical requirements are limited to an updated version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge: for the moment, in fact, it is not possible to use the FaceTime interface with Mozilla Firefox or other browsers).
It is necessary to reiterate that it is a simple interface and not a web app: it is not possible to initiate a call on FaceTime from the browser, only to enter a video call already in progress, using an "invitation" in the form of a URL link.
Likewise, it is not possible to make FaceTime calls between two Android or Windows devices. In short, the presence of at least one Apple device is still necessary. There are no filters available and it is not possible to obtain a call history: the interface is limited to what is strictly necessary, which is to include a user in the conversation.
Despite these limitations, the FaceTime interface is very intuitive and easy to use. Once you receive the video call URL you will come to a screen asking you to enter a nickname - that's right, you don't need to have an AppleID! Once joined to the call, the basic functions for communicating on FaceTime will be available: activate or deactivate camera and audio, choose the input and leave the call.
How to share FaceTime video calls with everyone
In order to use this feature, you need to have iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 and later installed. Within the FaceTime app there will be the “Create link” option. Anyone who receives this URL (sharable via email, chat, etc.) will be able to join the video call. Once the user has received the link, it will be necessary to admit it into the conversation.
A video call with participants from the web interface for those connected from Apple devices will not make any difference. The FaceTime call link does not expire and can be reused in the future.