macnn
05/30/2008, 9:35am, EDT
Friday, May 30th
iPhone patent depicts GPS, video conferencing
A newly-published Apple patent application points to iPhone technologies not currently in use, a report observes. The application, measuring some 372 pages in length, documents many different aspects of the iPhone, but makes particular reference to the touchscreen interface and its underlying software. A variety of "modules" are listed as being stored in memory; though many are to be expected, such as those for graphics, e-mail and motion-sensing, one is listed as "GPS Module," while another is a "Video Conference Module."
Neither technology is in the present iPhone, though code in the beta iPhone 2.0 firmware has pointed to the addition of GPS to the anticipated 3G model. Video conferencing is also a possibility with a new iPhone, due to faster broadband, but no other evidence has indicated this.
The document additionally makes reference to a "Blogging Module," but it is unclear what this would entail other than a means of submitting posts. The iPhone already has third-party blogging support in the form of specially-formatted websites.
Filed under: iPhone, Apple
Other story tags: GPS, patents, video conferencing
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Optical Sensor
The biggest clue is the 'Optical Sensor' shown on the front face of the iPhone. This is another name for a Camera!
Not necessarily
Optical sensor could also refer to the ambient light sensor that adjusts the screen brightness automatically.
That said, I do think iPhone 2.0 will have a front-facing camera too, for iChat
GPS????
Ok, being that Apple now allows others to develop software for the iphone there is the possiblity that a 3rd party has already thought of this. (BTW) this feature is required on all cell phones now. it allows police to triangulate locations of the phone user. hopefully apple will fine an advanced use for this feature.