Ah yes, the “day after” predictions. Typically, one day after a company — especially Apple — announces a new product or service, analysts from around the globe chime in with their prognostications and insight. In the wake of the Verizon iPhone announcement, Barclay’s analyst Ben Reitzes has stepped up with some FaceTime predictions. He surmises that Apple will have roughly 85 million FaceTime-enable devices in market by the end of fiscal year 2011 and 200 million by the end of FY 2012.
“While Android and competitive devices either have or are working toward incorporating a similar feature, we believe this particular feature benefits from Apple’s vertically integrated model,” said Reitzes. “We believe the ‘FaceTime networking effect’ could enhance a halo effect on Macs and iPads as the feature becomes available.”
The analyst notes that the iPad 2 — which he says will be announced within the next month — will help Apple reach these lofty goals as it will most certainly have a front-facing camera.
