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Level 1

0 points

FaceTime shows random, old pictures when initiating a call

My boyfriend and I have both recently experienced this problem several times - when one of us is calling the other via FaceTime, an old picture freezes on our screen, while the person receiving the call only sees a black screen. It's kind of creepy, because it brought up photos of both of us at work, where I have used FaceTime a few times but he never has. We're just wondering how/why this is happening, and if there is a fix. It's not terribly inconvenient, but it's definitely unsettling, where is seems that even if we haven't taken a picture or used FaceTime, the camera is keeping images. If anyone else is experiencing this, we'd love feedback. Thanks!

iPhone 4, iOS 4

Posted on Mar 22, 2011 8:04 PM

52 replies

Apr 6, 2011 12:04 PM in response to kar0786

This is definitely a FaceTime bug that was introduced in iOS 4.3 and remains in iOS 4.3.1. I never had this issue with FaceTime before iOS 4.3. It seems that the front-facing camera "freezes" or fails to initialize properly when a FaceTime call is started resulting in either a still image as people here are discussing, a black screen or an "invisible" image (i.e., the box where you should be able to see yourself is transparent). I have a feeling Apple screwed up the code that initializes the camera... they need to fix this ASAP in the next firmware release. I thought iOS 4.3.1 might fix it but I was wrong.

Apr 6, 2011 11:56 AM in response to The_Mac_Daddy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RwGzfuqdK5Y

Enough proof for you, The MacDaddy?

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Apr 6, 2011 11:59 AM in response to seanhsmith

You really shouldn't feed the childish trolls, especially those that signed up today. Ignore them and they go away.

Apr 6, 2011 12:04 PM in response to paulcb

Yeah, I know. I have these pet peeves about stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy though. I also posted the YouTube video for Apple's benefit hoping they will take notice and actually fix this problem.

Apr 6, 2011 12:54 PM in response to seanhsmith

hahaha, nice screenshot. you'll have to make a better video than that. nice try troll

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Apr 6, 2011 12:57 PM in response to seanhsmith

I suggest posting here... http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

That will definitely get seen by Apple. Note that you won't get a response though.

Apr 6, 2011 1:20 PM in response to sandbox32

This is the post: http://www.marco.org/1548306059

"Apple’s apps have always had an advantage with this approach: they can change their launch images at runtime. Before quitting, they can render an image of how they actually look, so when they launch next and restore their state, it looks seamless."

Apr 6, 2011 3:15 PM in response to paulcb

I am not trolling, I am more interested in you trying what I suggested to see if it helps. I have seen this in other APP mainly related to quick start and poor APP design.

More information?

Are you all on PC?
Are the phones jail broken?

Yes that is a good place to goto (I included the IP so you know the link is real since you have to provide your name and email. Apple does check these discussions so what you provide helps.

17.149.160.49/feedback/iphone.html is http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

Good luck and post any remedy here. Thanks.

Apr 6, 2011 5:54 PM in response to kar0786

Not a common problem, but I have seen it. The solution is to disable FaceTime in the settings app, restart the device, and then reenable FaceTime. This was the fix on the iPod touch, and it wasn't under 4.3 FYI. Give it a shot! Maybe it works, maybe not, but it's definitely clear-able so more troubleshooting and less complaining 🙂

Apr 6, 2011 7:43 PM in response to kar0786

Having the same problem. But it only shows the last Facetime Picture, not any random picture in my case. This problem is after 4.3 upgrade and not solved by 4.3.1. I think it is because of a glitch in the firmware which Apple has to take care.

Apr 7, 2011 6:16 AM in response to kar0786

I've had the same issue. Super annoying. Every time I FaceTime, it brings up some old image of me. Then I disconnect, FaceTime again, and its fixed.

grovberg

Level 1

10 points

Apr 7, 2011 6:51 AM in response to kar0786

Is it possible that what it's showing you is just the last frame in the buffer the last time you used any camera function? After all, any time you open any camera function, whether you actually capture any pictures or video, the iPhone has to turn on the camera and send the image through to the display. It's pretty unlikely that your phone would even be physically capable of picture of you when you weren't pointing it at yourself or someone in front of you, so this seems like a reasonable explanation for what you're seeing.

Message was edited by: grovberg

Apr 7, 2011 9:57 AM in response to kar0786

It happens to my I Phone 4 ALL the time! It takes new pictures, too, and uses them in place of LIVE pictures. It is WEIRED to say the least!!

Apr 7, 2011 10:04 AM in response to kar0786

This glitch is not true. http://bit.ly/fuV8sJ I could believe that it may show an image of the last time you used FaceTime, but to say that the iPhone is randomly taking pictures when you aren't using it is just stupid.

nasetron

Level 1

0 points

Apr 7, 2011 12:00 PM in response to elicourey

Alright, let's try to stay on topic here. Is anyone else who's having this issue willing to post a list of the apps they have installed? This seems to me like it's probably a firmware bug, but it could be related to an app that we've all installed.

FaceTime shows random, old pictures when initiating a call