How to: video chat with FaceTime

 AS WELL AS ALLOWING YOU TO SNAP PHOTOS AND
capture video footage, the iPad 2's new twin cameras also

add one more important feature to your tablet's toolkit  - the ability to make video calls. With the new FaceTime

app included on your device as standard, you can speak to friends and family face-to-face and free of charge via your internet connection.

This isn't the app's debut appearance - it was included as standard on the iPhone 4 from launch, while Mac users have been able to pick it up from the App Store since February this year. However, the newly optimised iPad 2 version is arguably the definitive iteration of the software, offering portable video calling on a big screen display.

It's very easy to use - all you have to do is create an Apple ID ifyou don't already have one, build an address book of your contacts and then start chatting. The person you want to call will also need to have an Apple ID, a compatible device (an iPad 2, iPod touch, iPhone 4 or Mac) and their own copy of FaceTime app but, aside from that, it couldn't be easier to use.

Over the next few pages we'll talkyou through the basics of setting up an account, adding contacts and making calls. Time to say goodbye to those pricey phone bills...




KIT LIST:

■ iPad2

■ A friend with a compatible Apple device

■ A wi-fi connection (for instant sharing)

■ An Apple ID

Time required: 5 mins
Difficulty: Beginner

Right back at youThis small window in the top right-hand comer of the display shows what the person you're calling can see on their screen.

Picture preview

Compose your picture before you snap with the app's real-time preview display.

Switch cameras

This button switches from the forward-facing camera to the back-facing camera - perfect if you don't want the person you're calling to see what you're up to, or if you want to show them something.

Mute your mic

If you want to temporarily silence your microphone during a call, just tap this icon on the left ofthe call interface.

Hang up

Time to say goodbye? Just tap the 'End' button to hang up and bring your voice chat to a close.

 1 Signing in The first thing you'll need to do when you boot up the app is enter your Apple ID or, if you don't have one, create a new account. There's no cost involved and you'll need one in the future to pick up new apps, so don't hesitate.

 2 Confirm your details Your contacts will track you down via your email address, so you need to verify which address you want FaceTime to use. To change the default address attached to your Apple ID just tap it and enter a new one.

 3 Build your address book Before you can make any calls you'll need to enter contacts into your address book. Just tap the'+' in the top right-hand corner to get started.

 4 Creating a contact To add a contact fill in the form by tapping on the relevant field and typing in details. Make sure you include the email address, as this will be matched with an Apple ID.

 
5 Add to favourites Once you've entered a contact, you'll then be given the option of sharing a contact with a friend via email or adding it to your favourites list. This is just a convenient way of prioritising the people you call the most.

   6 Make a call You're ready to make a call. Just tap a name in your address book and, providing they are kitted out with FaceTime, a call request will immediately be sent to them. If they're online and accept the call your voice chat will then begin.

 7 Switching view As default, the front-facing camera will be on during a call so you can see each other. If you want to switch to the back-facing lens, just tap the camera switch icon.

8 Receiving a call If a friend is trying to reach you, a box will pop up on your screen displaying their name. Hit the green 'Accept' tab to accept the call, or the red 'Decline' button to not.