Man Uses Game Boy Camera for FaceTime on iPadOS 17

Federico Viticci, the mastermind behind MacStories' daring experiments, has returned with another audacious feat, this time with iPadOS 17.

In his latest venture, Federico explores how the introduction of USB Video Class (UVC) device support in iPadOS 17 can lead to some truly eccentric possibilities, including using a Game Boy Camera for FaceTime video calls.

It's a classic example of Federico pushing the boundaries of technology in ways that defy conventional wisdom.

The Magic Behind UVC Device Compatibility

At its core, the inclusion of UVC device compatibility in iPadOS 17 allows users to connect external cameras to their iPads, marking a groundbreaking first. However, Federico's keen insights reveal that this capability extends beyond mere cameras, encompassing USB capture cards, DSLR adapters, and more.

Developers must implement a specific API to harness video input from USB-connected devices.

The creator, who leveraged the beta app developed by Jingcheng Tang in combination with a capture card, discovered a ridiculous finding for FaceTime buddies.

Elden Ring on FaceTime?

In his experimentation with UVC devices, Federico stumbled upon an intriguing discovery: the FaceTime app can tap into the video feed of other UVC devices connected to the iPad Pro.

As 9to5Mac reports, he connected a Steam Deck to the capture card, linked it to the iPad Pro, initiated a FaceTime call, and voilà - Elden Ring materialized on FaceTime.

Using Game Boy Camera in FaceTime Calls

It gets more bizarre as Federico uncovers a weirder tech discovery for geeks. He found out that a Game Boy Camera can be used on FaceTime calls.

While he readily acknowledges that such escapades are far from practical for the average user, the sheer joy of seeing everything function seamlessly fills him with a sense of satisfaction.

Aside from that, Federico tested swiping down to access the Control Center. The video plays on FaceTime including the video effects. He initially knew that Center Stage, Studio Light, and Portrait wouldn't do anything with the image produced by the Game Boy Camera. However, the reactions worked to his surprise.

As seen on his blog post on MacStories, the 3D-animated hearts and balloons appear if a person makes a hand gesture on FaceTime.

"That's when I truly lost it. There I was, performing gestures in front of a Game Boy Camera in 2023 to test video capture and FaceTime on an iPad Pro. None of this makes sense, and no regular person will ever need to use this. And yet, somehow, the fact that everything worked as it was supposed to fill me with a strange sense of peace and nerd satisfaction. If this ridiculous thing can work, perhaps the iPad is going to be okay after all," Federico said.