An Apple iPod Touch Videophone for the Holidays? (Holiday Update #3)

With the holidays coming around the corner, Dr. Z has been asked in his recent travels–“which videophone should I get?”

Dr. Z would not want to tell you which car to get for the same reason he would not tell you which videophone to get.

The Apple iPod Touch mobile videophone is covered here. Dr. Z will cover other mobile models in following blogs.

Here is a list of who you can call with the Apple iPod Touch only in a wifi environment:

  • iPhone 4 (using included FaceTime software)
  • Apple Mac (using FaceTime software downloaded to a Mac)
  • ZVRS interpreter for relay calls (using downloaded Z4 Mobile app)

The Apple iPod Touch is sold by Apple, Walmart, Best Buy. Amazon and other retailers.It currently sells for $229. There is NO monthly cost because it works only in a wifi setting.  Be sure its the 4th generation model and has a front-facing camera.  Older models do not have a front-facing camera.

To get started with an Apple iPod Touch:

  • Buy one from the retailer listed above
  • If you do not have a ZVRS account, set one up (link)
  • Set up your profile on the ZVRS website (link)
  • Set up your Apple iTunes Account either on your PC or Mac.  If you have a PC, you need to download the iTunes software from the Apple website.
  • Click the ZVRS icon–it will ask for your phone number and password. Use the phone number you have for the Z4 or the one that ZVRS assigned to you and use the same password that you used when you created your profile.
  • You can add your contacts using the My Contacts link after you bring up your profile on the ZVRS website. You can also add your contact information using the Epic.
  • Click the contact you want to call, or type the phone number to the left of the red/green phone icon on the top of the screen.
  • If you are calling a hearing person, a ZVRS interpreter will come on the screen.
  • If you are calling a deaf/hard of hearing person, use the Contacts icon on the iPod Touch and click the FaceTime button.

Happy calling!!

Feel free to contact Dr. Z with your thoughts using the contact form on the left side of the web page.

Happy shopping (and decisionmaking.)

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.