May be connected to Photo Stream plans

Apple is now hiring for an "iOS Photography Software Engineer," one who will explicitly work on iPad apps, notes AppleInsider. A part of Apple's job description suggests that candidates must have the "drive and desire to deliver great photography applications for the Mac and iPad platforms." In terms of actual skills people must be familiar with "established and emerging web technologies" such as HTML5 and CSS.

While Apple already has some basic photography software on the iPad in the form of the Photos and MobileMe apps, the hire would seem to suggest that the company has greater plans. These could involve the Photo Stream feature discovered in the iOS 4.3 beta, which is expected to allow people to view images captured by friends. A description also suggests that using MobileMe, people will be able to upload 30 days of photos and download them to "all of your devices." More future media streaming options could potentially involve videos and music, though Apple would likely block people from sending DRM-restricted files to peers.

The company may also need an engineer to prepare iPad versions of Camera, FaceTime and/or PhotoBooth, which iOS 4.3 also contains references to. Many reports have revealed that the second-generation iPad will get at least one camera, most likely two, including one for video chat and another for normal stills and video. The tablet is forecast to ship in March or April.

by MacNN Staff