If you’ve enjoyed the benefits offered by the FaceTime for Mac beta version since its release late last year, prepare to pay for the privilege of continuing to use it — version 1.0 has officially hit the Mac App Store, but it will cost you 99 cents to own it.
Apple has released the official FaceTime for Mac version 1.0 to the Mac App Store, which adds “HD video calls at up to 720p on supported, Intel-based Macs” — including the MacBook Pros everyone is anticipating on Thursday, which will be the first to employ HD-capable FaceTime cameras.
“FaceTime for Mac makes it easy to talk, smile and laugh with friends and family on their iPhone 4, iPod touch or Mac,” the app’s description reads. “Getting started is quick and easy — simply enter your Apple ID and you’re ready to go. Whether you’re talking to someone on an iPhone or on another Mac, video calls with FaceTime look great. There’s no better way to stay in touch with all your favorite faces.”
Actually, if you have an aversion to paying for such a privilege, you’d probably be better off sticking with Skype or another free offering, since FaceTime for Mac 1.0 requires an Apple tax to the tune of 99 cents — it’s no longer a freebie as most of us probably expected it to be.
We’re hearing that FaceTime for Mac will be included on all new Macs (you know, like the MacBook Pros we’re all waiting to see when the Apple Store reopens for business this morning), so the 99 cents is strictly for the rest of us who are perfectly content with our existing Macs. But keep in mind, purchases from the Mac App Store are tied to your Apple ID, so you can use the one-time purchase on every Mac you own.
FaceTime for Mac 1.0 is a 16.8MB download from the Mac App Store and requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later — it’s available to download right away.
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