Thoughts: FaceTime on the New Apple TV?

As far as Apple products are concerned, it would seem that FaceTime and the Apple TV have nothing to do with one another, and that's true, at least for now. However with some imagination, and parsing of both words and rumors, FaceTime on the Apple TV may not be so far fetched.

Let us first look at the rumor of the new Apple TV. For quite a few months now, it has been rumored the new Apple TV will be a lower cost device that runs a version of iOS. While this is merely a rumor at this point, it seems logical that Apple would like to incorporate yet another device into their App Store ecosystem and provide a unified experience between devices. Assuming the information I just mentioned is correct, it's possible that FaceTime on the Apple TV is not far off.

When FaceTime was introduced along side the iPhone 4, Steve Jobs made a point to say there will be 10 million FaceTime devices by the end of 2010. As great as the iPhone 4 is, there is no way Apple is expecting to move 10 million iPhone 4's in 6 months. That fact aside, it would make sense for Apple to bring FaceTime to as many devices as possible.

From a technological perspective bringing FaceTime to the Apple TV would not be a difficult process. Operating under the assumption that iOS will be the new UI for the Apple TV, it then becomes a matter of the new hardware having enough power to run FaceTime and a camera to enable video calls. It would not be atypical for Apple to build a camera accessory that is optimized for your television. In fact, this concept is already in practice. Earlier this year Skype partnered  with both Samsung and Panasonic to bring Skype to your TV. Both hardware manufacturers have proprietary  camera accessories to enable Skype calls.

If Apple chose to implement FaceTime into the Apple TV, they have the potential to appeal to users who have no interest in the iPhone, and provide a unique way of communicating with friends and love ones from your TV. Not only would this expand the install base of FaceTime, it would also serve as a form of competition for Skype, who clearly feels large screen video interaction is the way of the future.

Do you think we could see FaceTime come to the Apple TV?

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Turn Your Mac Into a Phone

I am someone who spends a good deal of time in front of my computer, but I also spend a fair amount of time on the phone. At some point last week I thought to myself, "It would be great if I could use my phone through my Mac... like Skype." After a Google search or two, I found Blue Phone Elite 2. Unfortunately, I won't be able to post any screenshots of the application for privacy reasons, but I will do the best that I can to describe it to you. 

The idea behind the application is simple. It enables your Mac to pair with your mobile phone, and allows you to use a mic on your Mac to make and receive calls. One of my favorite things about the application is that I can dial directly from Address Book. The application has also proved useful when searching for a phone number on the web, but you still have to copy and paste the number into the "call box."

Receiving call is also pretty straightforward. If the application is on and your phone is within range, you will see a large display of information pop up on your screen (along with a rather annoying flash.) From there, you have the option to accept or reject the call, as you would on any phone. On the phone itself (an iPhone in my case) your Mac will show up as a source, which lets you easily switch between your phone, your phone's speakerphone, or your Mac.

As far as complaints go, I don't have very many on my side, but everyone I have called using Blue Phone Elite has complained about hearing a pretty significant "speakerphone" effect, so you might want to take that into consideration. Thankfully though, you don't have to take my word for it. You can download a free two week trial here. After the trial period, it will cost you $25 if you wish to continue using the application. It is important to note that Blue Phone Elite 2 is Mac only.

It may not be for everyone, but overall, I am happy with the application. However, because of the call quality, I would not suggest it for longer phone calls, but it is perfect for making brief calls at your desk, while not interrupting your workflow.

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Sony Bloggie CM5 Unboxing

Pocket HD video recorders have become a very popular segment in the video camera market. Just two years ago, there were only a handful of sub $200 cameras. Today, there a vast number of HD pocket cameras to choose from.

As someone who likes to contantly take video footage, I had been shopping for an HD camera for qute some time. There were several reasons I chose the Bloggie, but more on that in another video. For now, here's the unboxing that I recorded earlier last week.

iPad Unboxing

Like the rest of the world, Saturday April 3rd was all about the iPad for me. I was one of the people who woke up early just to make sure I'd be able to pre-order at 8:30 A.M. So after weeks of waiting, I was more than excited to unbox my iPad, for a couple of reasons...

1. Obviously, I was excited about getting the iPad.

2. It was the launch of my new Technology channel on youtube, TechTrove, which I had been planing for awhile.

Below is my first ever unboxing. I hope you enjoy!

Vote For A World Traveler

Hello everyone,

I have a personal favor to ask from all of you. A personal friend of mind, Tiffany Maddox (Maddoxhardcore on youtube) has entered the STA World Traveler 2010 competition. Here's a little bit of information on exactly what that is.

"The 2010 World Traveller Internship gives two people the chance to traverse the globe experiencing a number of travel adventures and document their experiences daily with videos, pictures and blogs. En route they’ll also collect the best travel tips from the locals they meet to share with the world.

Our Interns will be responsible for describing everything they do with the ultimate goal of inspiring others to become World Travellers!

Traveling side-by-side, they’ll travel through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil and the US capturing the essence of life as a World Traveller."

Here is her audition video:

I promised her I would do everything I could to get the video out there. Because the first part of the audition is vote based, it would mean a lot to me if you took a second to vote here. Of course, there is no pressure, but I think this is actually a good test of the power of social networking. So, if you want to go beyond voting, you can spread the word to your social network and get them to vote as well.