Apple announces FaceTime update including Android 'feature'

Apple has confirmed FaceTime is coming to Android.

The tech giant has revealed plans for its iOS 15 update and Android users will be able to join calls with people on Apple devices.

During the WWDC 2021 keynote event, the company confirmed FaceTime users will be able to send a link for other people to join the call, and these won't be exclusive to Apple products.

The calls themselves will also be end-to-end encrypted for everyone, although there are no plans for a dedicated Android FaceTime app.

Other updates for the software include a portrait mode with blurred backgrounds, a gallery mode to let people view multiple speakers, while you'll also be able to schedule calls.

Ben Wood - chief analyst at CCS Insight - told the BBC: "Allowing Apple owners to invite Android and PC users to FaceTime calls via a browser acknowledges the pandemic has sparked explosive growth in group video calling.

"Apple risked being left behind services such as Teams and Zoom - but browser-based calling won't be enough to close the gap."

© BANG Media International