Skip to main content

Windows Phone 7 rumored to get a FaceTime function

A rumor claiming Microsoft will install a FaceTime-like feature on its Windows Phone 7 has surfaced. Neowin is reporting that at a “high profile” CES event, a Windows Phone employee mentioned developers were interested in created a program similar to FaceTime that would pair with Microsoft Live services, as well as with MSN Messenger.

If you’re thinking Skype seems like an easy alternative, the insider reportedly claimed this new application “will reach beyond the hand of Skype.” When such an update would launch is unknown, but we wouldn’t rule it out as a new feature included in Windows Phone 8 – which the rumor says could come with a front-facing camera. The screenshot below containing the registry keys within Windows Phone 7 shows that the hardware alteration is in the works. TechTree claims the image comes courtesy of former Microsoft Silverlight Program Manager Justin Angel.


Screen shot 2011-01-09 at 2_19_34 PM


Mobile World Congress 2011 will take place next month in Barcelona, and it’s possible Microsoft will make an official announcement about updates or even the next generation of the Windows Phone. While there’s been no word from the company on when to expect any phone upgrades, BGR was able to spot a slip on Microsoft’s site (see below), leading many to believe something’s scheduled for this month. A video chat application is most likely further down the line, but for now you can expect to see the copy-and-paste functionality mentioned in Microsoft’s keynote, as well as improved app and game startup speeds.


BGR-January
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
Apple secretly adds AR-powered FaceTime eye correction in iOS 13
Woman looking at iPhone.

While we knew iOS 13 was going to contain a lot of useful additions outside of the headline features like Dark Mode, we didn't expect Apple to add AR-powered eye correction to FaceTime video calls. But that seems to be exactly what it's done in the most recent update for the iOS 13 public beta.

According to app designer Mike Rundle (and signal-boosted by the surprised folks on Reddit's Apple subreddit), the iOS 13 public beta now includes an option for "FaceTime Attention Correction." According to the feature's tooltip, turning this on will increase the accuracy of your eye contact with the camera during FaceTime video calls. What does that mean? AR black magic trickery, basically.

Read more
One of the biggest Oura Ring competitors just did something huge
The Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Oura Ring, resting on a table.

Ultrahuman, the maker of the Ultrahuman Ring Air, is making its way to U.S. production grounds. The company is setting up a production facility in Indiana, which will mark the first time a smart ring from Ultrahuman will be assembled from scratch on U.S. soil.

“The UltraFactory will offer an end-to-end production capability and is based on the company’s first operational model of such a facility in India,” the company says.

Read more
Best Verizon new customer deals: Galaxy S24, iPhone and more
Verizon logo on a smartphone screen in a dark room and a finger touching it.

If you’re in the market for one of the best phones, or any new phone for that matter, you’re going to need a good carrier. Verizon has long been one of the most popular options, as it boasts one of the most reliable networks in the United States. It offers some of the best cell phone plans out there, and for new customers Verizon also offers some pretty impressive discounts on new phones. In many cases this means you can brand new, recently released phones entirely for free when signing up with Verizon. And that’s the case right now, as we’re currently seeing some of the best Verizon new customer deals we’ve seen. You can pretty easily land a new iPhone, Samsung Galaxy phone, and Google Pixel for free, and we’ve got all of the details on how to do so. If that sounds enticing, read onward and start shopping the best Verizon new customer deals available right now.
Free iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

The 2022 release of the Apple iPhone SE is yours for free when you sign up for a new 5G data plan on Verizon -- no trade-ins required. It's the best small smartphone in our list of the best smartphones with a 4.7-inch Liquid Retina display, but it doesn't sacrifice performance as it's powered by Apple's A15 Bionic chip that's also found in the iPhone 13 line and pre-installed with iOS 15. The latest iPhone SE is equipped with a single 12MP rear sensor and 7MP selfie camera, which are boosted by Apple's software to enable better photographs.

Read more