iChat for iPad

Question

TonyInSF Author

Level 1

21 points

iChat for iPad

Why isn't there an iChat app for iPad?

BlackBook 2Ghz, Mac OS X (10.5.8), iPad, iPhone 4

Posted on Dec 8, 2010 10:56 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 8, 2010 10:59 AM in response to TonyInSF

Because Apple hasn't written one...

Seriously, no one here would know the answer to that question. Until Apple actually says something about it, all we could do is speculate, whichi is, of course, not allowed. Sorry.

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Answer 2

Dec 8, 2010 11:36 AM in response to TonyInSF

The fact it doesn't have a front facing camera also plays into it.

Glor

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Answer 3

Dec 8, 2010 12:11 PM in response to Glorfindeal

iChat doesn't need a front facing camera - you can use it purely for instant messenging (which is what it was originally for, before video chat was added later).

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Answer 4

Dec 8, 2010 12:13 PM in response to TonyInSF

There are plenty of iChat compatible apps in the AppStore. Any that work with AOL Instant Messenger will also work for iChat.

Such as: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aim-for-ipad/id364193698?mt=8

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Answer 5

Dec 8, 2010 12:13 PM in response to Julian Wright

What's the point of putting iChat on the iPad then? You can get a number of solutions for IM right now. The only reason I would see iChat going on the iPad is if you can do video chats.

Glor

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Answer 6

Dec 8, 2010 12:19 PM in response to Glorfindeal

Are you saying people shouldn't have a choice? If the OP likes iChat and the way it works, why can't he want a version for the iPad? Yes, there are alternatives but maybe he likes iChat...

Same as there are many Twitter clients before and after the official one came along.

Just because you don't see a need, doesn't mean no-one would like iChat.

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Answer 7

Dec 8, 2010 12:19 PM in response to Julian Wright

Because integral to ichat is video conferencing. It would be a waste to put a stripped down model on the iPad. I guess Apple thinks the way I do since it doesn't exist.

Glor

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Answer 8

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Dec 8, 2010 12:21 PM in response to Glorfindeal

The only reason I would see iChat going on the iPad is if you can do video chats.

So the Mac mini and Mac Pro should not have iChat installed on them either, correct?

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Answer 9

Dec 8, 2010 12:27 PM in response to Glorfindeal

Video was added to iChat (in iChat AV) long after it had been used by many for instant messaging, and long before Macs had integrated webcams or the iSight.

IM is why iChat existed in the first place - not video conferencing.

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Answer 10

TonyInSF Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 8, 2010 12:27 PM in response to TonyInSF

I use SKYPE for text and audio chats on the iPad, but a lot of my friends and family don't use SKYPE. As far as I can tell, AIM is only text, not audio. Can anyone recommend another app?

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Answer 11

Dec 8, 2010 12:28 PM in response to Chris CA

Give me a break!!! You can attach webcams to these computers. I'm assuming you do realize that...

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Answer 12

Dec 8, 2010 12:29 PM in response to Julian Wright

Things change

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Answer 13

Dec 8, 2010 12:37 PM in response to TonyInSF

IM+ seems to be the App that provides the most support, but it's not clear from it's description whether it offers AIM voice chat or just text chat.

Couldn't you introduce your friends and family to the benefits of Skype? It's by far the most widely used voice chat service, free and the voice quality is better than alternatives in my opinion.

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Answer 14

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Dec 8, 2010 2:01 PM in response to Glorfindeal

Please follow your own arguments.

You can attach webcams to these computers

So what?
I don't have one to attach. And I would only need one if I wanted to video chat. Just like on the iPad.

It would be a waste to put a stripped down model on the iPad.

Why?
Based on what you wrote, iChat is useless and a waste without a video camera.

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Answer 15

Dec 9, 2010 6:33 AM in response to Chris CA

yes, I'm sure that just because YOU don't want to connect a webcam to your computer, apple should pull iChat from the systems. Isn't it nice to be so loved?

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