Apple devices you to use this not-so-popular feature FaceTime. The thing about FaceTime was that it could not be used over 3G, you had to have a Wi-Fi connection. Until Now. FaceTime can be used over 3G in iOS 5.
FaceTime is a video calling software application and related protocol developed by Apple for supported mobile devices running the iOS, in addition to Macintosh computers running Mac OS X 10.6.6 and higher. FaceTime is supported on any iOS device with a forward-facing camera (that is, all iOS devices released since theiPhone 4) and on any Macintosh computer equipped with a FaceTime Camera (formerly known as an iSightCamera).
Steve Jobs had mentioned during his keynote address at WWDC 2010that Apple is in talks with carriers to support the feature on 3G as well.
FaceTime was announced by then Apple CEO Steve Jobs at his keynote speech on June 7, 2010 at theWWDC 2010 in conjunction with the iPhone 4. Support for the fourth-generation iPod Touch, the first iPod Touch to be equipped with cameras, was announced in conjunction with this device’s release on September 8, 2010.
The “FaceTime” name was purchased by Apple from FaceTime Communications, who changed their name to Actiance, Inc
It looks like Apple has managed to finally convince some of the carriers as folks at 9to5Mac have just reported that it will be possible to make FaceTime video calls over 3G.
9to5Mac has received a screenshot, which indicates that Apple will enable this feature for carriers that allow it.9to5Mac reports that carriers are testing a later build of iOS 5 than the one seeded to developers.
Enable FaceTime Over 3G In iOS 5 (Natively):
Step 1: If you don’t already have it, purchase iFile through Cydia. It’s by far the simplest way to browse the contents of your device.
Step 2: Browse through to /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app/
Step 3: Open the file named N90AP.plist
Step 4: Underneath
<key>capabilities</key>
<dict>
enter
<key>3Gvenice</key>
<true/>
whilst taking care not to leave any line spaces.
Step 5: You’re done – you can now enjoy FaceTime over 3G without having to use any third-party applications!
Continually adding tweaks to your device can sometimes be detrimental, with chances of freezes, crashes and the like obviously slightly increasing compared with stock. Thus, it’s better for everyone involved if Apple incorporates the features natively rather than edging consumers towards the alternatives found in Cydia.
If the final version of iOS 5 includes this feature then it should also be available for iPad 2 3Gusers.
Jailbreak tweaks like My3G already allow iPhone 4 users to make FaceTime video calls over 3G and tweaks like FaceTime Activator and MiddleWhat that enable the feature in unsupported countries like UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Strangely, while FaceTime has been restricted over Wi-Fi, Apple has approved apps like Fring that support video calling features such as four-way group video calls over 3G.
