macOS Sierra: The Missing Manual

FaceTime

If you have a Mac laptop or an iMac, then it’s got a built-in microphone and camera. And that means it’s equipped to make free, very high-quality audio and video calls to other Apple computers, phones, and tablets (Figure 12-12).

There’s very little delay, and it works the first time and every time. Now Grandma can see the baby, or you can help someone shop from afar, or you can supervise brain surgery from thousands of miles away (medical training recommended).

From your Mac, you’ll probably make FaceTime calls over a Wi-Fi network. But your callees, using iPhones or cellular iPads, can even conduct video chats over the cellular airwaves, when they’re out and about.

Figure 12-12. Yes, Messages also offers video calls—but FaceTime doesn’t need as fast an Internet connection. You’ll often be able to make FaceTime video calls in situations when Messages gives up.

Placing a Call

The FaceTime experience often begins with a more old-fashioned communication—a phone call or a text message, for example. (“Want to FaceTime now?”)

In any case, FaceTime couldn’t be easier to fire up—in many different ways:

• From Contacts. If you’re in the Contacts app, and you’ve recorded the iPhone number or Apple ID of someone in your Mac’s Contacts program, you’ll see the button next to that person’s name. ...