Future iPhone Patents Show Fingerprint ID For Different Gestures
MacRumors found three interesting patents that point to various new interaction techniques. The most interesting is the fingerprint ID directly on the screen so that the iPhone can see which finger you’re using and accept gestures appropriately.
The fingerprint ID also, of course, can theoretically act as a security device so that only you can activate your phone. There’s also haptic (physical) feedback when you’re hitting things, as well as using the touchscreen as an RFID reader. None of the three are really mindblowing in themselves, on the surface, but if implemented intelligently might make for a big step forward in the iPhone product line. [Macrumors via Boy Genius]
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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
It feels a bit obvious that this would be for a device most people do no only use their thumbs for. Apple has proven to be fairly smart over the last seven years, continuing to wow users and outdo themselves time and again, so I would give them a bit of credit: This technology must be for a product line with which users are not yet familiar-- this sort of specificity would have to be built into the hardware of a device.
I think this technology would be viable for a far-off introduction of this device: [[gizmodo.com]] with which users would presumably use multiple fingers, but also, so that it could be built into the device as its main control system.
zeugmat
I think the system isn't designed for the iphone, or at least I don't think it would work well on an iphone, considering most people use only there thumb and like it that way. But think about an Ipod Nano, they could make it super small as they'll not need a control pad. it can be a screen on one side, and finger print reader on the other, and you only need to simply touch it properly when it's in your pocket to change stuff, you don't have to look at it.
HyperDrunk
@rt100 is loving his new MBP: A niche product that they are willing to take chances with. Nanos and Classics are more popular, and retain the same interface that they know is generally accepted. They try new things with the Shuffle before implementing them elsewhere.
It's the same deal with the MacBook Air for the MacBook line.
Motorola has the patent on fingerprint dialing which was used for the wrist-watch phone back in the late 90's. Filed a fingerprint security patent that Motorola buried--f*%k-heads...
brutek
Probably should have incorporated this into the 3Gs. But I guess that some idiots will buy anything that starts with i Or Mac.
@nerve11: Though the finger-recognition feature would be cool.
nerve11
@92BuickLeSabre: Yeah, agreed, this is sooo complicated! "Hold ring finger down for 3 seconds while breathing into the microphone heavily for 2 seconds and shaking it afterward to activate your call list.
nerve11
im going to go ahead and file this under the "apple has not even created or implemented the technology to do any of the above yet filed for a patent anyway column"...to be honest i am f-ing sick of bogus tech patents..especially the user interface patents...i am going to go ahead and patent using your dick and balls on a multi-touch track pad to re-size photos...
@The Amazing Ant: then you don't deserve the greatness that is the next iphone, with finger specific controls.
On a more serious note, what about those who are missing fingers? geez...
rt100 is loving his new MBP
@SysRq: see new shuffle
rt100 is loving his new MBP
@PN - Long time reader, new commenter.: Yes please.
@rt100 is loving his new MBP: Unlikely. I don't expect this system to be 100% foolproof, and so I don't think people would be willing to accept a gesture like this that didn't work every single time. The home button works every single time.
This may supplement the other controls currently in the iPhone, but not necessarily replace them.
Patent this (finger gesture).
PaddyDugan
It's not useful. It's just different. Just like the new iPod Shuffle
@The Amazing Ant:
It'll make me go crazy...
Firebrand
@rt100 is loving his new MBP: Yeah, noted. That would piss me off. Having to hold the screen with my index finger for "x seconds" would get annoying. I operate the phone heavily with my thumb. Who knows though, I can be optimistic.
Meh not the most useful thing, seems to be complicating usage, not simplifying it.
Anyway, why did gizmodo pull the overheating iphone story that appeared for a few moments on my RSS reader earlier?
But... what if I don't want to use my ring finger to scroll?
This is an example of where technology just requires me to do more work.
Like the speed dial numbers of old, I'm never going to remember more than one or two combinations.
There's probably gonna be an app that displays a middle finger when you press the screen with your middle finger. This is just what we needed!
um removal of all buttons, anyone? first item in the patent is "HOME"...
rt100 is loving his new MBP
@PN - Long time reader, new commenter.: LOL, nice!! +1
haha,
Now you can fingerprint protect iphone porn apps?
If finger print not "Admins"
App = tap tap revolution
If finger print = "Admin"
App = iPorn
Wow, that'd make for a very cool(er) iPhone. I wish it had infrared, so you could use as a tv remote! I use the rowmote app and it's cool! Possible? Not without a hardware addition right? I also want Cox cable to offer a similar service to schedule a show from iPhone like DTV!!