You Can Join FaceTime Calls on an Xbox but Not an Apple TV

A Redditor has highlighted that it is possible to join FaceTime calls from their TV using an Xbox, a feature that is not possible on the Apple TV.

General Apps FaceTime
In a post on Reddit, user u/JavonTEvans explained how they are able to make ‌FaceTime‌ calls on their TV using an Xbox. The simple setup involves using a Logitech C930 webcam connected to an Xbox Series S. To join a ‌FaceTime‌ call, they simply open Microsoft Edge on the Xbox, navigate to their email provider, and open an email with a ‌FaceTime‌ link.

facetime xbox tvu/JavonTEvans's ‌FaceTime‌ TV setup

The setup is theoretically possible from any device with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge installed thanks to ‌FaceTime‌ links. Apple introduced FaceTime links with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey last year, providing a way for users of non-Apple devices such as Android smartphones and Windows PCs to join ‌FaceTime‌ calls easily, with no need for a dedicated app.

Since Apple TVs do not have a ‌FaceTime‌ app, additional ports to connect a camera, or a browser to open ‌FaceTime‌ links, Apple's own TV device is completely unable to make ‌FaceTime‌ calls. The only option available to ‌Apple TV‌ users is to AirPlay a ‌FaceTime‌ call from another device, but the video feed will still be streamed from the host device's camera.

After discontinuing the HomePod in March 2021, multiple reports claimed that Apple was working on a combined Apple TV and HomePod device that could feature a camera to support ‌FaceTime‌ calls. This appears to be supported by the Apple adding the FaceTime and iMessage frameworks, as well as AVFCapture for capturing images, to the underlying software that runs on the HomePod, in a move that could accommodate a future ‌combined device.

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Top Rated Comments

AngerDanger Avatar
35 months ago
Here's an alt article image if you need it @Hartley ??



Attachment Image
Score: 54 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kc9hzn Avatar
35 months ago
I mean, this is kind of a non-story. It’s a well-known fact that tvOS and the Apple TV don’t have a camera and don’t have a user accessible web browser to be able to connect with FaceTime video links. Or a FaceTime app or iMessages.

So the whole thing is a bit of a non-starter.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
imnotthewalrus Avatar
35 months ago
Well, that is embarrassing!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zachari Avatar
35 months ago
Not surprising. I’ve been increasingly unhappy with Apple. Problem is, I dislike it’s competition even more.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spock Avatar
35 months ago

I'm confused. Why would someone want to Facetime on their TV?

This is like saying that you can't make toast using a coffeemaker.
Large screen, nice for meetings or a family gathering.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RoboCop001 Avatar
35 months ago

Hahaha! Where is the love for Play Station 5?
That thing is a myth! I've never seen one in person ?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)