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."

Comments

Duh

[dazedNconfuzed]

The iPhone's screen points one way.
The iPhone's camera points in the opposite direction.

Kinda hard to have a video conference when you have to be on both sides of the device at once for it to work.

Nintendo did it

[Yvan256]

See the new Nintendo DSi for a good example:
- hi-res camera in the rear for taking pictures
- low-res camera in the front for video conferencing (given the resolution of the Nintendo DSi, even a 0.3 megapixel camera is completely overkill)

Re:Nintendo did it

[master811]

In addition to nearly every other 3G phone on the market which are nearly all able to do video conferencing.

Re:SDK precludes it

[NatasRevol]

You can do it now. You just have to go around the SDK.

http://qik.com/blog/206/qik-announces-iphone-3g-support

Heck you can do it on the original iPhones as well.

Works fine.