Apple Planning Video-Call iPhone

An anonymous reader writes "The recently awarded iPhone patent contains hidden claims which indicate Apple is planning to bring video calling and recording features to the iPhone, according to InfoWeek blogger Alex Wolfe. Buried within the 'embodiments' section of patent number 7,479,949 is this: 'In some embodiments, the functions may include telephoning, video conferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging, blogging, digital photographing, digital videoing, web browsing, digital music playing, and/or digital video playing.' Wolfe also cites language indicating Apple is aware that having a rear-facing camera is an impediment towards video calls (and also taking pictures of yourself.): 'In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user's image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display.' Screen caps of the patent drawing are also available."

Great

[bugs2squash]

Someone can watch a video of my inner ear while listening to me

Awesome!

[jargoone]

This is great! Now, can we please have MMS and copy/paste like smartphones from 8 years ago?

Re:Why not sooner?

[Vorpix]

or was it their intention all along to release such a great new feature that you couldn't upgrade to without upgrading the whole phone, thereby having to buy a new one?

no apple would NEVER do something like that.. ;-)

Re:Duh

[gEvil (beta)]

That's why Apple is introducing its newest iPhone add-on, the iMirror! For the low price of only $99, you can clip this shiny (ooooh, shiny!) rectangle to your iPhone, which then, through the magic of very high frequency electromagnetic waves, WIRELESSLY transmits your image to the camera on the backside of the iPhone. Now you can see your friends and be seen AT THE SAME TIME. Hurry! Supplies are limited!

Re:Transparenty iphone?

[m.ducharme]

By the way.. is any of what has been mentioned actually innovative? It all seems terribly familiar to me...

When has that ever stopped the USPTO from handing out a patent? /sarcasm

Re:Duh

[Moebius Loop]

I prefer the iReflect, which uses a particle-based medium. The resulting picture is quite a bit more danceable.

Re:Transparenty iphone?

[gladish]

Why not a time machine too?

Re:Duh

[gEvil (beta)]

Feel free to make and market your own third-party knock-off. But be prepared for Apple to start their smear campaign telling everyone why their wave-based version is better than your particle-based one.

Re:Safety

[drinkypoo]

I'm a fairly libertarian guy, but wouldn't a whole mob of new video-callers be somewhat dangerous on the road?

I'm a fairly libertarian guy too, but you didn't make any actual suggestions in this sentence and so it is particularly retarded.

So is mine, but that's satire, baby.

If you thought texting while driving was bad, just imagine ubiquitous video calling.

I'm imagining it. Porn on the interstate... where do I sign?

There would almost have to be legislation against video calls while driving.

Why not just utilize existing legislation that says that if you got into an accident because you were being a fuckhead, it's an additional charge like "reckless endangerment" or something? And for that matter, we could have done that in California instead of passing a law requiring a hands free system. The law doesn't prevent me from dialing my phone manually (good thing, since my RAZR V3i's voice recognition is primitive at best) so it's already a jerkoff waste of time.

If you were that libertarian, you would be against another needless bullshit law. I call shenanigans.

Re:Duh

[ricebowl]

The last thing I want is a requirement to wear pants while working in my home office, thank you very much.

Uh...it's for video conferencing, or calling. I assumed you'd be having your face in the picture, unless...where are you wearing your pants? Maybe you should try a hat?