FaceTime gets a huge feature boost with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey updates. Among the improvements, a new function called SharePlay caught everyone’s attention. It takes your video calling and party viewing experience to the next level. Read on to learn how to use SharePlay with FaceTime on iPhone and iPad.
SharePlay opens up a new element of fun among FaceTime users. While this is not part of the official iOS 15 update, Apple enabled the feature after the iOS 15.1 update on the iPhone. Before we go ahead and show you how to use SharePlay, let’s first understand what SharePlay is.
SharePlay is the new FaceTime function supported in iPhone, iPad and Mac. It allows you to share your device’s screen with others during a FaceTime call. SharePlay allows people to watch movies and listen to songs together.
Everyone has their own control on the screen to pause or ignore their preferences. On the surface, it closely resembles a Spotify Group Session, but the beauty of SharePlay is that it works with all of Apple’s media apps and other third-party services available.
Apple has released the Team Activity API that allows developers to add SharePlay support to their apps. Some big media names like Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Twitch, TikTok, etc. have announced the inclusion of SharePlay functionality in their apps.
For this post, we’ll be using Apple Music and Apple TV as examples.
There is a SharePlay toggle in the iPhone Settings app that you need to enable to use this functionality. Here’s how to use it.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down to the FaceTime menu.
Step 3: Open FaceTime and tap SharePlay.
Step 4: Turn on the SharePlay toggle from the following menu and now you’re ready to share music and watch TV shows together via FaceTime call.
Make sure all participants are using the latest version of iOS/iPadOS/macOS to take advantage of the SharePlay functionality. Now follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open FaceTime on iPhone/iPad.
Step 2: Tap Create link and share the link with others to join the FaceTime call.
Step 3: Once everyone has joined the group video call, swipe up and back to the home screen.
Step 4: Open one of the supported apps. We’ll open Apple Music here.
As you can see from the screenshot above, you will see an option to choose what content to use SharePlay. Start playing a song and you’ll see the SharePlay icon in action on the FaceTime pop-up menu.
Music starts playing at the same time for everyone on the call. Users need to have the right subscription to the streaming service. Otherwise, the app will ask you to sign up, trade in or try a free trial, if available.
Playback controls are shared by everyone on the call with access, so anyone can tap Play, Pause, Rewind, Fast-forward, or skip to the next track.
In the example above, we showed you how to use SharePlay to listen to music at the same time. Now we will cover how you can watch videos together via FaceTime using SharePlay.
Step 1: Open FaceTime and create a group call.
Step 2: Once everyone has joined, open one of the apps supported by SharePlay. In this example, we will use the Apple TV app.
Step 3: Select a show or movie you want to watch and press the Play button.
Since you’re on a FaceTime call, Apple TV will ask you to Share TV Content or Share Video just for you. After you tap SharePlay, others on the call may have to tap Join SharePlay to watch the video.
The video will start playing for everyone with an active Apple TV service subscription. If so, those who don’t have access will be asked to gain access (through subscriptions, deals, or free trials).
Everyone in the FaceTime call has access to the playback buttons as well as closed captions and volume controls.
When you press the End button, you have the option to End SharePlay for you or everyone.
Enjoy a virtual party via FaceTime
Currently, SharePlay is limited to a handful of apps. Major app developers like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Spotify are not on the support list. While Apple already offers FaceTime for Android and Windows users, the SharePlay functionality won’t work for users who join a FaceTime call using a non-Apple platform.
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Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
