A new update for iPhone could disable the camera at live events like sporting events or concerts.
The California company has plans to build a system that will sense when a person is trying to film a live event using a cell phone and automatically switch off their camera.
A patent application filed by Apple, and obtained by the Times, reveals how the software would work. If a person were to hold up their iPhone, the device would trigger the attention of infra-red sensors installed at the venue. These sensors would then instruct the iPhone to disable its camera.
Other features, such as the phone’s ability to make a call or send text messages, would not be affected.
The software is seen as an attempt to protect the interests of event organizers and television broadcasters who have exclusive rights to film an event. These companies often sell their own recordings but are frustrated when cell phone videos appear online via websites such as YouTube, allowing people to watch the concert free.
The concept may also allow Apple to reach more favorable terms with record labels when negotiating deals to sell content though its iTunes online store.
Apple filed its patent application with U.S. authorities 18 months ago, but details only became available this month. It is not clear if Apple intends to develop the concept into a working system, and if so, whether it will be implemented within the company’s devices. The latest version of iPhone is expected in September.
Apple declined to comment.
So what if you’re at a live event in which it is perfectly okay to record? Also, since it’s legal to jailbreak your phones, someone is going to develop a hack to bypass any kind of block. Apple’s policies are starting to make the company look like it was bought out by the Chinese government. I’m an iPhone user but I think it’s time for me to jump ship.
Cool off, Mike, did you even read the article? Apple isn’t creating magic here that’s going to know where you are and what you are watching. They are simply providing an interface, so that the event organizers can send out a “do not record” signal via infra-red. If the event doesn’t specifically forbid recording, they won’t be sending the signal.
Kent its a little more troublesome than that. I can see governments like Syria and Lybia using this just before they open fire on a bunch of innocent civilians. Just incase someone is trying to film with their Apple device.
So you’re OK with a business motivated by profit controlling your personal property? I’m not. It’s my phone and I’ll do what I want.
If the event forbids recording, they should just forbid phones all together, not have a way of partially disabling a device I own. Also if an infrared signal can disable the camera, what if another IR device operates on a similar frequency somewhere else?
Can we disable “everyones” phone while in the movie theater? That would be great!
I can see a lot of potential for abuse of that off switch.
By my understanding of the article, the system requires the sensors, so only venues that are that way inclined and have them installed will be affected.
Not to be all 1984 about this but lets take it a step out… Not just concerts where the vender does not want the “exclusive” info to get out.. but take the step futher.. someone does not want you to record ..maybe around someones building, or at a police scene, or sporting events, our hall ways and rooms.. Lots of room for abuse of a kill option..
The real danger seems to me to be when governments begin to use this. The cell phone and the ability to get images and information out is one of the major advantages that protesters have had in places like Egypt and Libya.
I see this as a major problem. What next, will automobile makers start equipping all cars with a device that disables your engine whenever you break the speed limit? Regardless of an emergency situation?
I am not some kind of anti government, paranoid, wacko. I actually used to work in law enforcement and currently work in public safety. Butt businesses should not be giving other entities control over products that have already been sold to other people. That sets a dangerous precedent. If corrupt governments get ahold of this technology I can only imagine the suffering that can be inflicted upon their populace. With no fear of recrimination.
In other news hackers develop an app to tell the system to piss off. Apple counters with a new “update” and the war to control our own lives and our peripherals rages on.
This is how the war with the machines really starts. They get sick and tired of corporations and consumers trying to outfox each other with technological gadgets, and when they snap, it gets ugly for the organic lifeforms.
“Don’t make me turn this app around…”
LOL, [Apple + (RIAA x MPAA) / hackers = SKYNET]