FaceTime out of Beta now 1.0

Just the Mac version exited beta and is available for purchase. The iOS version remains the same (was never a beta) and no update has been announced at this time.

-SM

I've used the beta on my iMac to chat with iphone. Why would I buy the alpha if I have the beta?

Rob Lichter wrote:
I've used the beta on my iMac to chat with iphone. Why would I buy the alpha if I have the beta?

Quick correction.. [Alpha is before beta|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software release_lifecycle] and the new release is certainly not an alpha.

To answer your question, the beta still works perfectly fine. This is reminiscent of when iChat AV left beta. it looks like the new features for the recently released version include support for HD conferences, which may only be functional with the newly released FaceTime HD Camera.

So in other words if you snagged it while it was free it does not seem like it would be beneficial to upgrade if you do not have a FaceTime HD Camera (the new version is even already included on the new MacBook Pro which has that camera).

-SM

Apologies for the misnomer.
I see, the new release has some new features. OK, fair enough.

and what are the new features of 1.0 (apart from HD support)?

My immediate reaction: .99-cents is cheap but Skype is free.

FYI:

The .99 charge is most likely required because of accounting requirements. The decision to make this software available for existing Macs as well as integrated with all new Macs means, under accounting rules, Apple is required to either charge a small fee or restate its past earnings. I don't want users to think Apple is trying to nickle/dime you to death.

msoued wrote:
and what are the new features of 1.0 (apart from HD support)?

It looks like HD support is it. As the day continues on the story continues to develop. [Apple has since clarified|http://twitter.com/dmoren/statuses/40792516752187392] through a reputable journalist that move to the price tag is strictly due to accounting reasons and not necessarily because of new features/exiting the beta phase.

-SM