The guys over at TUAW have been testing out Apple’s FaceTime feature on the iPhone 4, and they managed to receive a call from a TUAW reader who was flying high in the sky on an airplane.
Normally, the only real option for making calls on an airplane is the onboard phones. Cellphones don’t usually work, and neither does VoIP, as it is often blocked by the in-flight WiFi providers. However, this recent test with FaceTime shows that there might be a way around these restrictions, at least for now.
The Potential of FaceTime in Flight
As you can see in the video below, FaceTime worked pretty well. This opens up a range of possibilities for in-flight communication. Imagine being able to video call your family or colleagues while cruising at 35,000 feet. This could be particularly useful for business travelers who need to stay connected with their teams or clients. The ability to use FaceTime in-flight could also make long flights more enjoyable, allowing passengers to stay in touch with loved ones in a more personal way than traditional text messaging or emails.
However, there are potential downsides to this newfound capability. Airlines and in-flight WiFi providers might soon catch on and block FaceTime to manage bandwidth usage. Video calls consume a significant amount of data, and if many passengers start using FaceTime simultaneously, it could strain the in-flight WiFi network, leading to slower speeds for everyone on board.
Technical Considerations and Future Prospects
The success of FaceTime in-flight also raises questions about the technical aspects of in-flight WiFi. Most in-flight WiFi systems use satellite connections, which can have higher latency compared to ground-based networks. Despite this, FaceTime’s performance in the test was impressive, suggesting that the technology is robust enough to handle such conditions. This could pave the way for other video calling services to be used in-flight, provided they can manage the data requirements efficiently.
Moreover, the ability to use FaceTime in-flight could influence future airline policies and the development of in-flight entertainment systems. Airlines might start offering premium WiFi packages that support video calling, or they could integrate video calling features into their in-flight entertainment systems. This would not only enhance the passenger experience but also provide airlines with an additional revenue stream.
In conclusion, while the current ability to use FaceTime in-flight is exciting, it remains to be seen how long this will last before airlines and WiFi providers impose restrictions. Nevertheless, this development highlights the potential for more advanced in-flight communication options in the future.
TUAW via Dvice
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