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
How one special feature changed my smartphone photos forever
A person holding the OnePlus 12.

I don’t usually mess around with Pro modes in smartphone camera apps much. I’m not a “pro,” so they rarely seem relevant, and the combination of an effective auto mode and a great editing platform usually means I end up with a photo I’m pleased with anyway.

But that all changed when I tried Master Mode on the OnePlus 12. Yes, it’s a Pro mode in disguise, but it has an unusual and quite specific feature set that has helped me create photos I love and furthered my own photographic style far more than most other phones I’ve used recently.
Personal photographic style

Read more
The best Android tablets in 2024: the 11 best ones you can buy
OnePlus Pad with official Stylo pencil stylus on a wooden table.

Tablets may not be the hot new thing in 2024, but they're still excellent machines for streaming movies, playing games, or getting work done on the go. And while it seems like the best iPads dominate most of the tablet market, there are still plenty of excellent Android tablet options for consideration if you don't want to be locked in Apple's walled garden.

Whether you want an ultra-premium and superpowerful option, or something more affordable and compact, the Android tablet market has something for everyone. No matter your budget or spec preferences, here are the best Android tablets you can buy in 2024.

Read more