A forward facing camera in future iPhones could become a reality.
The possibility of a front-facing camera, which is one of the most requested features is based on a recent patent application that Apple filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Organization (USPTO).
In the patent application titled "Apparatus and Method for Compensating for Variations in Digital Cameras", Apple writes that the present method of manufacturing camera modules for devices like the iPhone can sometimes result in minor variations in the camera's physical and operational attributes like the lens thickness or wavelength cutoff. In order to overcome this issue, Apple has described a method to measure the "light intensity response" of the camera to colored light thereby determining a "color intensity bias". Apple says that this bias can be factored in while the camera operates under normal circumstances in order to overcome the potential variations.
The image accompanying the patent description reveals the possibility of a front facing camera in future iPhone models. Detailing the different components on the iPhone image(embedded below), the patent explicitly refers to "a camera 16 having a lens 18".
Rumors surrounding the possibility of a front facing camera itself is not new. Our long time readers would recall similar rumors doing the rounds even before the launch of iPhone 3G. Also recently, there have been reports about the presence of a slot in the iPad's metal frame that could fit a front-facing camera. These reports have now further fueled rumors about an imminent availability of a forward facing camera even in future versions of the iPhone or iPad.
Do you want a front-facing camera in iPhone 4G or do you think it is more a novelty factor? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
[USPTO via Apple Insider]
I just hope they put the apparatus on anything already. Let's go and put that apparatus on.
i like apparatuses with batteries that buzz.. and with a camera .. mmmm wow.
Hmm
could be good If apps had the ability to access it like beejive!
eh..im having a harder time believing the front face camera thing since similar rumors were flying around about the iphone 3gs, the ipad, and an actual camera on the ipod touch.. i would love a front face camera though..
oh well, at least if it happens ill be surprised :O!
It's been less than a year since the iPhone 3GS launched, and the rumor mill is already churning out speculation about an upcoming iPhone 4G, expected as early as May.
All I know is that a front facing camera would have sealed the deal for me on the iPad. Instead, I'm holding on to my tax return although something tells me Apple is playing a wait and see game with copy cats. They announced the iPad and it's features. Others will copy. And then surprise surprise, they'll announce all the new features on the next firmware and that they've added a front facing camera last minute… What Am I smoking??
ooh what about the scroll wheel thing. can anyone f**king explain that?
this wont be ready for 4g if thats what anyone is thinking
anyone else notice that looks more like an ipod than an iPhone?
Lmao that is so lame, "oh my god it's a patent about a front facing cammera, it's revolutionary!!!!! Amayzing product people it's going to be the first time ever!!!"
um…… NO 1st just for the iPhone lol. this should have come out on the first one!
Even my wrist watch phone has video confrence with it's little 2meg front facing cam, with a touch screen fm radio video mp3 & mp4. And I baught that 2 years ago
Don't think it will happen in us.. If it does not for att. There will be so much complaints on video calls because of drop offs. If it ever does happen it would be verizon when they improve their speed. Other countries has tons of front facing cameras and 5mp camera with led like 5+ years ago. US just barely putting on 5mp cameras. If the iPhone never came out I would have stuck with world or imported phones because other countries get the best phone.
another bullsh*t thats not gonna happen