The patent application – of which Apple files many – suggests that iPhones could detect whether a photo or video “includes an infrared signal with encoded data”, and actually block the user from shooting. Pretty annoying for the person who’s trying to snap a photo of their favourite band, but especially annoying for the person trying to take a photo of their friend who happens to be within the infrared signal.
Just because Apple filed a patent for this technology, doesn’t mean it’ll actually be seen in future products. I’m sure the uproar from both the bands (many of who enjoy and encourage fans taking photos and video of them) and the users would put any companies off such a restrictive “feature”. [Patent application via 9to5Mac]
Mark
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 6:56 AMSoon followed by an Android app that emitts said IR signal… just for shits ‘n giggles. Nicely thought through there Apple.
olearymo
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 9:08 AMA bit intrustive, but really this shouldn’t be an issue. You’re AT the concert. You’re seeing it LIVE. It’s actually happening to you. Put away the freaking phone!
Dave
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 9:19 AMIR is easy to block with IR blocking filters. This would keep record labels happy and nothing else.
mark
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 3:28 PMThey block almost everything else dont they?
Simon Reidy
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 6:13 PMNext will be the iBoob filter that auto-detects breasts and replaces them with pictures of kittens.
Nathan
Monday, June 6, 2011 at 12:27 PMYay, stupid people block the view and recording crappy vision and sound of a live gig that they will most likely never look at again.
I say it’s a win for live gigs.