Ever since the release of iMessage for iOS 5, it seems likely that Apple has plans to integrate some of their messages into a unified solution that will work for both Mac OS and iOS. Recent coding discovered by John Heaton strongly suggests that such a solution might be on the horizon for both OSX and iOS users.

The string of code doesn’t specifically mention iChat, but it does make reference to other instant messaging services such as Jabber, FaceTime, AIM, and iMessage. This at least hints that a possible integration is in the works.

It has been speculated that iMessage may soon be added to OSX either as a separate program or integrated somehow into the existing iChat program, although just a rumor the arrival of this coding does suggest Apple is working on something. Apple has a history of unifying its services when possible and streamlining it all together so it just works, without the hassle of multiple programs and services running.  Imagine opening up just one app and having access to all your favorite IM clients, including the iMessage service. Sounds a bit like Trillian.

For now the unification of iMessage and other chat solutions is simply a rumor. While I advise that we don’t get our hopes up just yet, it seems very likely that this integration will happen. For now, we will just have to keep our fingers crossed and wait.

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Along with the revamped MacBook Pro line of computers today, Apple has released the first full-version FaceTime app for the Mac App store.

The app comes as an update to the Beta version for Mac computers released last October, which allowed users to place video calls to other Mac computers, iPhone 4s and fourth-gen iPod Touches. Now, thanks to HD webcams built into the new MacBook Pro computers, FaceTime will also support 720p HD video calls.

FaceTime’s setup will remain the same as in the Beta version, using an Apple ID and any number of other email addresses as the computer’s “phone number.” When receiving a call, every running Mac and iDevice signed into an Apple ID ring simultaneously even if the FaceTime program isn’t open.

Despite the fact that the app comes pre-installed on the new MacBook Pros, it’ll cost everyone else 99¢ in the Mac App store.

Consensus seems to be that FaceTime should be integrated into iChat, which would definitely make sense with the upcoming release of OS X Lion. That would bring together two of Apple’s communications programs. But what about other communications programs on other operating systems?

Skype is still standing as fierce competition to FaceTime. It allows video calls over 3G; FaceTime needs WiFi. Now there’s Fring in the mix, too.

Why not allow video calls between any and all of these programs? An Android phone can make a phone call to an iPhone. Skype VoIP can phone a landline and vice versa. Hell, you can email any other email address from any email address hosted by any company – Gmail on an iMac to Hotmail on an Android tablet forwarded to Yahoo Mail on a Windows Phone 7. You can chat through MSN to those on Yahoo Messenger and sign into iChat with an AOL account.

Why is it that video calling has to have these limitations? If video calling is truly the communications medium of the future as the Jetsons so famously prophesied, this needs to be addressed. You should be able to sit at your shiny new MacBook Pro and videocall through FaceTime to anyone using Fring on their Galaxy Tab, MSN Messenger on their PC or Skype on their smartphone over 3G.

But for now, 720p video calling from MBP to MBP or standard video calling to other iDevices and macs on WiFi for $1.

[iTunes]

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