Before iPhones, people had their own version of FaceTime with a retro device from the '90s. We can imagine the phones back then to have a curly cord and there's no way you can see your friends using it. However, this particular technology is a game-changer since it can make video calls.
When VideoPhone 2500 came, it was warmly greeted by users. With a TV screen, the callers can easily reach out to the other person on the other line.
'90s FaceTime Hits Different With this Phone
According to Slash Gear's previous report, the year 1992 was crazy since many events emerged at that time including the opening of Minnesota's Mall of America and the conclusion of the Cold War.
On top of that, there's also a special introduction of AT&T's first-ever full-color motion videophone dubbed "VideoPhone 2500."
At first glance, it looks like a telephone that we used to see from gray-scaled TV movies. However, it's fascinating to know that it already has a 3.3-inch LCD display-something that we can't imagine seeing in the old days.
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What Makes VideoPhone 2500 Special?
What set the VideoPhone 2500 apart from its predecessors was its utilization of advanced digital compression technology. This innovation significantly reduced the bandwidth required to transmit full-motion video over existing analog phone lines.
Users could simply connect it to their existing wall jack without incurring additional call costs, making it an affordable and accessible option.
The device incorporated a built-in V.34 modem, operating at speeds of 19.2 or 16.8 kilobits per second, which were considered remarkably fast in its time.
Video Calls as New Reality
The VideoPhone 2500 may have delivered images at a modest 10 frames per second, which could appear somewhat stuttered and fuzzy by today's standards.
Nevertheless, it marked a significant milestone as it brought true "motion" onto the screen, a monumental leap from static images.
For the first time, individuals could "visit grandparents without leaving home," as AT&T proudly proclaimed. At a time when cell phones lacked cameras, and platforms like Skype or Zoom were unheard of, the VideoPhone was revolutionary.
Can You Afford to Buy it?
There was a catch about this retro FaceTime device. The VideoPhone 2500 came at a hefty price of $1,599.99. Additionally, it necessitated that the other party also possessed a VideoPhone for a successful call. AT&T did offer a slight reprieve by reducing the price by $150 for each additional unit purchased. Alternatively, users could rent one for $30 a day.
The VideoPhone 2500 boasted an intriguing "Self View" button. This feature allowed users to preview their own video feed before initiating a call - a concept that might seem trivial today but was a novel idea at the time.
Regrettably, due to a lack of demand, AT&T ceased the sale of the VideoPhone two years after its introduction, per CNN. However, its legacy endures as a pioneering innovation in the history of telecommunications.
