So far, sales of Apple’s new iPhone (News - Alert) 6 have reached record-breaking levels to the point that it’s next to impossible to find one in stores. About 10 million were sold the first weekend the devices were available to the public, breaking the previous record of nine million in 2013.
One of the first companies to capitalize on this frenzy was Verizon (News - Alert). Just days before the iPhone 6 release, the wireless provider announced a new service called Advanced Calling 1.0 (AC1) that uses VoLTE.
This technology uses data packets for both calls and data activity like Web browsing. Since everything is handled through data, the phone does not have to switch between data and cell packets. This makes it possible to web surf during a voice call. AC1 also supports six-way conference calls.
Although Verizon’s release of AC1 was obviously designed to coincide with the iPhone 6 release, it is available on other phones like the Samsung (News - Alert) Galaxy S5 and LG G3. A camera icon next to a name in the contact list indicates that person can make two-way video calls.
As great as these features are, the process of using them is anything but seamless. Both parties on a normal two-way call must be Verizon subscribers in order to use AC1. If a call begins as a 4G LTE (News - Alert) call, but one of the parties on the call leaves a strong 4G LTE coverage area, the call will be dropped. Even though a phone may be configured for AC1, it cannot make an AC1 call if that feature is turned off. An HD logo appears in the upper right corner of the screen when HD Voice is active.
With any new technology, there will be some kinks to work out before using it becomes a smooth process, but technologies like AC1 have the ability to revolutionize the way mobile phone calls are made. Making video calls will be as easy as making voice-only calls and doing other activities on the phone during a call is a huge convenience.
Here’s the next step: If mobile providers can agree to some compatible standard for this technology, you won’t have to worry about what service the person you’re calling is using before you take advantage of these features.
Edited by Alisen Downey