According to Wikipedia, Apple has not opened the FaceTime standard or the protocol although Steve Jobs said that they will open it, more [here](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FaceTime). A similar case seems to go with iMessage. I cannot totally trust the sources so how can I contact my friends that have no Apple products such as iPod touch, iPad , iPhone or Mac with things such as FaceTime or iMessage?

**Motivation for the question**

> I think FaceTime and iMessage are pretty cool innovations but before
> switching to them, I want to make sure they are not just private
> closed groups -- it is a bit annoying to have just discussion with
> "Mac -guys" -way. I currently use Google voice but I feel Mac -style communication much easier particularly with iPad (my friend bought it to me for reading books but I am now finding the above apps quite useful).