Apple could be providing a glimpse into some new features for future iPhones in a couple of patent applications the company recently filed.
Apple has published two patent applications in the past few weeks that focus on features that incorporate motion and gesture user interfaces. One patent (number 20090088204) was published two weeks ago, and the other one (number 20090100384) was published on Thursday.
The iPhone already has an accelerometer that allows users to shuffle songs on the handset by shaking it. The motion-detecting technology has also been widely used by application developers who have incorporated the functionality into games and other kinds of apps for the iPhone, but Apple appears to be moving a few steps further in making motion an even bigger part of interacting with the iPhone.
Apple notes in the first of the patent filings that interacting with mobile devices while also engaging in another activity, such as jogging or running, can be dangerous as users might be distracted while they are trying to advance to another song or answer a phone call. The new gesturing technology would try to solve this issue.
According to the patent filing, "there is a need for providing a user interface in a personal media device that minimises either or both a user's physical and visual interactions with the personal media device, especially while the user is performing other activities that require, for example, the user's visual senses".
Apple has outlined ways in which the iPhone would know whether the person holding it is engaged in activity such as running or whether the device is simply being carried around in a pocket or purse. The idea is that the iPhone would be able to change its interface to accommodate the kind of activity that the user is engaged in. For example, when a user is running, the device might provide an alternative movement-based interface for adjusting the music volume or answering a call.
Aside from the motion-detecting technology, the schematic drawings also show that Apple might be adding videoconferencing to the iPhone, since there is a front-facing camera on the newly sketched device. The first- and second-generation iPhones do not include video recording at all. Video is expected in the next release of the product, rumoured to be coming out this summer.
Talkback
"Aside from the motion-detecting technology, the schematic drawings also show that Apple might be adding videoconferencing to the iPhone, since there is a front-facing camera on the newly sketched device."
Sorry to pee on your bonfire but if you bothered to read the actual patent the camera is drawn in dotted lines "to signify that it is actually on the back of the unit"