The internet is buzzing with anticipation of the newest (generation three) iPad. This site is primarily focused on Facetime & video chat technology, so let’s hit this highlight first. The big news from Apple in relation to the new iPad is that they have specified that the front-facing camera is officially the “Facetime” camera, while the back-facing (higher-quality 5 Megapixel) camera is now called the iSight camera.

Although the new iSight camera is the same super-awesome camera in the iPhone 4S, the Facetime camera is still the same old VGA (low-res) camera we’ve become so accustomed to.

Big news from Apple today! The future Mac OS X operating system (dubbed “Mountain Lion“) has been announced, and it’s taking messaging on your Mac one step further. Click through to find out more about the update, but it looks like there is going to be a central place on your Mac to deal with all messages to and from your Mac and iOS devices, including Factime. This is gonna be big!

Putting a human touch on the technology, the NY Times published an article about how we are using technology not just for nerdery, but for connecting with each other. From “Skypanukkah” holiday celebrations, to saying a final goodbye to a dying relative across the country, the article is full of vignettes of how video chat is changing the way we connect with the people we love.
– NY Times article

Video Chat service Tango just launched a new Video Messaging service on their platform. VentureBeat has the scoop and the details on how you can leave messages for friends when they don’t or can’t pick up a video chat request. I can’t say how many times I’ve wished for this on Facetime. Here’s hoping Apple is listening watching.

The good folks at Patently Apple have a huge rundown on a new feature that Apple has patented, and that could someday make its way into improved Facetime software. The basic rundown is clear if you’ve ever used Facetime while running around your home or office. Apple wants to make it so different lighting sources don’t make your face washed out with light and then covered in shadows. As lighting sources around you change, Apple wants to help keep the camera focused on a well-lit face in front of it. Check the article for the full rundown!

If you don’t have enough people to Facetime with, or if you’re just an animal lover and would like to make a dog’s day, I highly encourage you to sign up to Treat Chewie. Here’s the concept:

Sign up to have Chewie the dog text you (to let you know a FT request is coming).
Answer the Facetime request and talk to Chewie.
Chewie gets a treat when you Facetime with him.

Don’t worry about Chewie getting fat on treats… here are the caveats:
– Chewie is only receives treats once an hour on the hour
– Chewie is only open for treat business Monday through Friday 10a-6p
– In order to recieve Chewie’s call you must have an iPhone with Facetime and you must be on WIFI at the time of the call

Go forth and Treat Chewie!