In this social networking and technological era, not all of us are aware of what FaceTime actually is and hence very few of the smartphone users do actually make use of this amazing technology. To simply describe, FaceTime is a service that can be accessed via an app.

This service promises users high-quality video calls and recently introduced VoIP (voice over internet protocol) facility too. So when someone says “FaceTime on Android” it simply means video calls on Android.

The technology was initially developed and announced by Apple Inc. in the same year when iPhone 4 was introduced i.e. 2010. Soon after this release, Steve Jobs committed to making FaceTime multiplatform so that it can be accessed on other operating system based devices too.

However, five years have passed and FaceTime is still Apple’s. The basic standards known so far used for the development of FaceTime are H.264 for video and AAC for audio.

But the next question that pops up in our mind is that why isn’t FaceTime available for Android. Now, since all kinds of apps are available for Android there were two main reasons that hindered the development of FaceTime on Android.

The former one being that the app uses digital certificates to prevent automated (similar to computerized) spam calls and the concerned certificates appear to be Apple-specific. The second one is that Apple owns a lot of sophisticated techniques that aren’t perfectly developed for Android yet.

Features of FaceTime:

1. Users can invite their friends
2. Let’s the users to make video calls for free
3. Promised and superb video quality
4. Proper maintenance of call history
5. Minimized data usage to reduce data consumption
6. Easy to operate, with a single click

How does FaceTime work?

In simple words, Facetime works in collaboration with your phone’s front camera. Once you have successfully connected with another user over the data connection, you can see the person at the other end on your screen and your own snap appears in the lower-left corner. The same experience is enjoyed by another user(s) in line.

Merits of FaceTime:

1. Free to use as the charges aren’t added to the user’s monthly talk time plan, rather data or WiFi connection is utilized
2. The other end-user doesn’t actually need to be online simultaneously as he/she can be notified whenever the phone rings

Demerits of FaceTime

1. A working WiFi or Data connection is the lifeline of this technique so users cannot use the service in the absence of a connection
2. A fancy flashlight can’t be activated on your phone while making or receiving such calls

Still, let’s keep up the hope that one day FaceTime shall come to Android soon. But there are a few reliable and legitimate apps that can actually perform like FaceTime and perhaps better than FaceTime too. While many of them are quite common and famous with many features, below is the list of apps that can be used as an alternative to FaceTime.

5 Best FaceTime Apps for Android Devices

1. Skype – free IM and video calls

Skype is literally the best free and efficient video calling or FaceTime app for Android devices that is being consistently used by various developing start-ups. The app like all other networking apps that demand to be installed on both or more concerned devices.

Additionally, the users can also make low-cost calls to landlines too. But, when it comes to comparison skype turns out to be better than FaceTime since it can be accessed on all the known operating systems for smartphones.

The app turns out to be the most convenient one of its kind as it has more than 250 million users with more joining each subsequent day. So irrespective of the location, users can connect anywhere and at any time. Moreover, to make your conversation even more interesting the app comes with emojis wherein the users can send short video clips.

2. Viber

Viber is one more free Facetime app for Android that actually offers more than basic features. The app does not compromise with quality as it assists the users to make high-quality HD (high definition) calls and even texting too, to more than 606 million Viber users. Moreover, when it comes to texting groups can be created with 200 participants as the limit.

Alike the above-mentioned app, low-cost calls can be made to non-Viber and landline with Viber Credits. After you have successfully registered with this app, your phone number becomes your ID and the app syncs with your contact list to automatically figure out other Viber users. Furthermore, the app is also localized in many other countries.

3. Messenger

Messenger is another Facetime app for android that works the best in collaboration with Facebook. Back when it was introduced its features were confined though Facebook forced the community to download this app. In addition to high-quality video calls, users can also text and share attachments.

One of the most amazing features of this app is that it directly syncs your contacts that use this app to make the conversation process even easier. To be true, the app performs better than the actual FaceTime. Also, the app comes with GPS support so that users can easily share their location in the community.

4. Tango – Free video calls and chats

Tango is yet another free Facetime app for android that is convenient and can be used to make free voice and video calls. In addition to various types of calls, users can also share texts, attachments and even update statuses. Moreover, apart from the user’s personal tango contacts, the app can also be used to make new friends in a community of over 300 million people.

The app works over a data connection as well as a WiFi connection. The users can also add frequent contacts to the favourites list. This would ultimately help to save user’s time. The most unique feature of this app is that it also comes with gaming options with near about 20 games that can be played anywhere, anytime.

5. ooVoo Video Call, Voice, and Text

ooVoo is among one of the best free FaceTime apps for Android that can be used to make video calls, voice calls, and share texts. The app comes with one of the highest limits as 12 for making group video calls. The does not charge you any extra fee as it works with your phone’s data or WiFi connection.

To avoid any confusion when making a call the app comes with an echo cancellation feature to make the audio crystal clear. Texts and attachments can be shared with anyone even when you are already on a call.

Moreover, the app is cross-platform so that it can be used on any device. Also, the app does actually hold some good awards with one of them being – Best social networking app 2013.

The verdict

So here we have brought to you one of the most growing technology for your smartphone i.e FaceTime for Android or simply high-quality video calls. Actually, we do believe that everyone should be aware of this service and use it as it can help in many ways to each and every one of us.

Hence we have also brought to you the list of best Facetime apps for Android that is quite convenient and reliable to use. So keep connecting with your acquaintances through these apps. Also, we are eagerly waiting to know about your first “FaceTiming Experience” 🙂