This week, Apple is releasing its iPhone 4 to the public. Like the Sprint EVO, it has a front-facing camera which means one can do a video conversation with this device.

While this looks nice, it does have its limitations, like with the release of any new product, the first version rarely includes everything we want in a new product. It usually has limited functions for 2 reasons—first they need to be sure it works and secondly, they want to be able to make improvements to the product in the future.

Right now, the iPhone4, in order to do video conversations, must use the software (or the app) that comes with it. The app is called “FaceTime”. It will only work with another iPhone 4. It will not work with a Mac, or a Z-phone or a VP-200 yet.

Also, it will work only with a wifi connection. It will not work with a cellular connection such as CDMA, EDGE, 3G or 4G. That means you can only use it when you are near a wifi hotspot.

But, the concept of being able to do a video conversation “on the go” is nice! It will not be long before we will be able to do video relay calls using a mobile or smartphone. Right now, the closest thing we have to a mobile phone is a Z4 on a netbook or a laptop. This will allow you to experience a mobile calling environment. Dr. Z has used it extensively in his travels and it works greatly and Dr. Z looks forward to the day when we can have a video conversation on a mobile phone with a cellular connection. This will be the day when we have full functional equivalency!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

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