Based on couple of patent applications filed by Apple at US Patent Office, Mac Rumors believes that Apple's research team is working on how to further improve iPhone's user interface based on "User Movements".
Its quite interesting as it could mean that your iPhone might not need pressing of buttons for an action but might just need a simple ‘movement’.
The patent diagram also reveals a front-facing camera which could bring video chat possibilities in Apple's next generation iPhone.
Here is a snippet from the first patent application published a couple of weeks ago:
In order to address this problem, Apple Research team are exploring the possibility of motion as an interface method. They have given examples of flicking the phone to go through contacts.
It sounds great, but as Mac Rumors rightly points out that it seems to be quite ambitious. The second patent application seems to have a more practical solution to the problem.
Apple research team proposes that to handle the problem that the iPhone OS could detect when the iPhone is in motion and then compare the detected degree of motion to one or more predetermined "signatures of motion" so that it could automatically adjust itself by enlarging selection areas on the screen to a degree which makes it more convinient for the user to use the interface.
Here is an example along with a diagram of their proposed solution:
The other interesting bit is that the diagrams in the patent application reveals a front-facing camera which could bring video-chat capabilities in future generation iPhones. This could be huge for meetings, dating, all kinds of as yet undiscovered applications.
There were rumors of front facing camera prior to iPhone 3G's launch. But I don't expect video-chat capabilities in Apple's new iPhone which is speculated to be announced in June at WWDC.
It is also important to note that Apple's patent applications generally reveal a very wide-range of possibilities but might never see the light of day though its interesting to get a glimpse of Apple's recent research effort.
As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[via Mac Rumors, AppleInsider, thanks Egypt and Geogo3r for the tip]
Will it be announced or released in June?
why wouldn't it have video chat? a lot of other ATT phones do.
Can't wait for the next iteration of the iPhone!
announced i think
video chat PUHLEASE!!! PLEASE PLEASE!!!
Do they really? I'm not trying to sound sarcastic but I really didn't know that.
Forget running, it's the driving I'm worried about. Could we start looking into voice commands rather than more touching?
Agree!!!
Did anyone else notice that in the dock part of the phone there are 5 icons not 4? Mistake?
I don't think it's a mistake. From all the sites I have read, it seems like apple has alot of apps that are available on jailbroken phones. And I agree with hxclose, I would like to see voice command or something of that nature. I am now use to all the dang touching, but it gets to the point when I am driving…….very iratating. One thing I can say is that apple should be happy with people jailbreaking. Cause if it wasn't for that, people might not be I interested.
Sony Ericsson already implemented shake controls for their music player in their W580i phone. I'm not a patent expert, but I'm not sure how you can patent something that's already been done years ago.
No! The picture is showing the dock inside the "Phone" app, so 5 icons is normal!!
Yah I noticed that after I posted.
But with the W580i you still need to hold a button and shake to change tracks.
dont fret guys if we have a cam that can do video, i am sure saurik or someone at cydia will create a video chat app for us to use if apple drops the ball on it. And I would like to see more voice commands to one of the best apps I love is the google mobile app, whenever i need to do a search I speak what i am looking for instead of typing it so voice commands is the way to go.
yep. even the crappy ugly phones do it.