FaceTime Is The Second Coming Of Video Telephony — Again

Creating a successful strategy for consumer video telephony has eluded everyone bar Skype. Even the telecommunications industry itself has failed with this particular communications product: Consumers have largely ignored the video telephony abilities of 3G mobile phones. Apple's success with FaceTime is far from guaranteed. Regardless, the FaceTime initiative is as important for the statement of intent that it makes on the potential for video communication as for its initial implementation. FaceTime version one has far too many ifs and buts for it to see major adoption unless Apple adds to the initial proposition with more FaceTime-compatible devices. Instead, FaceTime version one will be significant for raising awareness — opening the door to Apple's partners to leverage the iPhone 4's front-facing camera to drive significant mobile video communication use on the wave of publicity. Skype, Fring, and others will be the first to benefit. Forrester sets out the critical features needed for video telephony success.