The OS X 10.9.2 beta which was released to developers on Thursday includes a nice perk, Apple’s FaceTime audio. The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) feature was first introduced on iOS devices via iOS 7.
FaceTime audio is designed to allow users to initiate voice-only calls with other FaceTime users without turning on the accompanying video feed. Currently, Macs running Mavericks only have access to the standard FaceTime app, which bundles both video and audio.
Via FaceTime Audio on the Mavericks beta, users can seamlessly call an OS X or iOS user from any device.
Previously, a user would need to install Skype or another app that allowed both video and audio-only conversations.
The FaceTime audio feature is reported to be “integrated deeply” into both the FaceTime and Messages apps.
It is unknown when OS X 10.9.2 will be released to the general public, or even if the FaceTime Audio feature will make it to the public release. We’ll keep our eyes and ears on the update and keep you informed.
