FaceTime video call app absent in Gulf iPhone 4

by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Sunday, 26 September 2010

UAE telecoms providers Etisalat and du launched the iPhone in shops on September 25, but the popular FaceTime Apple application was not installed, The National newspaper reported on Sunday.

FaceTime is similar to Skype, which is already banned in the UAE, and allows users to make free calls using their iPhone video camera.

An anonymous executive from one of the operator is reported as saying the application was not included by Apple on the new phones to prevent any delay to the launch.

Related: iPhone to launch in UAE on September 25

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However, Khalifa al Shamsi, the vice president of marketing for consumer products at Etisalat, told the newspaper it was still in talks with Apple to provide UAE users with the FaceTime application.

“Normally such launches are controlled by Apple. Currently we are in discussions with them about this feature in particular,” Al Shamsi said.

FaceTime was also missing from iPhones on sale in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

“We are working closely with Apple to resolve the issue,” said Lana Khachan, a spokeswoman for Vodafone Qatar, told The National.

READERS' COMMENTS

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Buying iPhone4
Posted by rabih on Thursday 30 September 2010 at 03:03 UAE time

If you buy iphone 4 from Etislat or du then facetime will be disabled after updating the software. This is based on the serial number of the phone.If you buy iphone 4 from another country such as the UK or Canada then you will have facetime

Lots of misinformation
Posted by iphone4 owner, Doha, Qatar on Monday 27 September 2010 at 12:25 UAE time

Facetime is included on this phone, as HD has mentioned in the comments previously. It's not a separate app, but rather an option that comes when making a call. It's a fundamental part of the new operating system. Furthermore, it does not allow for free calling such as with Skype. The Facetime feature allows for video to be transmitted over a WiFi network during a regular call. This can be played with (at your own risk) to include video transmitting over a 3G network, but isn't recommended considering mobile data fees in the region.

update
Posted by HD on Sunday 26 September 2010 at 22:47 UAE time

ok very odd......once you plug the phone into itunes it asks if you want to upgrade it to the newest OS available. After the update, facetime is GONE!

HEllo
Posted by Wr4tH on Sunday 26 September 2010 at 22:12 UAE time

Try to update it to 4.1. Let us see if it works then

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