Safari may gain built-in audio controls
updated 12:10 pm EDT, Thu April 23, 2009
Safari audio controls?
Apple is considering integrating audio controls into the Safari web browser, a newly-published patent application shows. Although Windows and the Mac OS have dedicated volume controls, a recurring problem with websites is the tendency to impose unwanted audio, whether in the form of music, voices or sound effects. Many people are already listening to their own music while they browse, Apple notes.
In the proposed Apple scheme, users would have access to a volume slider and a Mute button, both located next to the search bar. The controls could be configured on a universal basis, but could also be applied page-by-page instead, remembering settings for each URL visited. Users could alternately specify the addresses from which they want no sound, or have audio muted or lowered only if another application is running, such as iTunes.
Apple remarks that any version of Safari could be enhanced with sound controls, including that on the iPhone and the iPod touch. Such settings could also be ported from one machine to another, synced along with other preferences from a desktop or notebook copy of Safari.
ugh
04/23, 12:28pm reply
patents suck...
broohaha22
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006
Only makes....
04/23, 12:28pm reply
TOO much sense. I don't see why this hasn't been added into most web browsers!
MacinTommy
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
YESSSSSS
04/23, 12:29pm reply
I frickin HATE those banner ads which contain embedded video clips which blare at you whether you like it or not when you hit a site. I would hope that webmasters realize that I, like many, leave a site immediately when these horribly annoying ads appear.
climacs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Good idea
04/23, 12:47pm reply
But not something that should be patented in my opinion. Patenting every single stupid thing just acts to fund the lawyers and the worthless court cases that seem to abound these days!
rytc
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
I like it
04/23, 01:54pm reply
This is a great idea. I hate those websites that have audio that pings up at random moments. I would turn off all audio unless i selected otherwise.
nikstar101
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
patents
04/23, 02:53pm reply
i think at least half the reason apple patents this kind of stuff is that they won't get hit up by another company for infringing on THEIR software. I don't necessarily think every single one of apple's patents exists as a means to keep everyone else from doing something.
EternalGuest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2009
I don't like this
04/23, 04:06pm reply
The more volume faders you have to mess with, the more fiddlin' you have to do to get the volume on. People will turn it down and then forget that it's down. I think a simple preference box to block audio from bannered websites would be a better idea.
webraider
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
LOVE IT
04/23, 04:35pm reply
I LOVE THIS IDEA! I am fed up with having to listen to web designers flash c***
serato
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2007
great idea... again
04/23, 06:23pm reply
Intrusive ads that blare out at all decibel levels are annoying and undesirable. Leave it up to Apple to hopefully find a solution. Great job Apple. Patent it, license it and make money with it. Buy Apple products and Apple stock.
mac-a-tac
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2009
excellent - about time
04/23, 09:44pm reply
Just listening to some music while casually surfing and WHAM! Loud obnoxious sound.
I hope this is released very soon
MiMiC
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007