On October 13, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published two patent applications from Apple that reveal that they're working on a new facial recognition/Signature system in addition to a new encryption system for a future implementation of iOS. Apple's new iPhone 4S offers new face detection capabilities but the next step appears to go one step further with tagging the photos for applications like your address book and so forth. In the case of Apple's newly proposed encryption, it's definitely a must have feature if Apple wishes to push further into the Fortune 500 and beyond.
On July 7, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals various concepts behind newly advanced 3D gesturing that will apply to CAD applications for product and gaming developers as well as for consumers. According to Apple, next generation iPad and/or other iOS device displays will allow consumers to create avatars for 3D environments or assist homeowners in designing new landscapes and more by using simple 3D gesturing. The new 3D gesturing will control color and textures while allowing users to uniquely rotate objects to gain different perspectives of their designs. This is wild stuff that is bound to give Apple's competitors another huge headache.
Apple improved facial recognition in iLife 2011's iPhoto while adding new slideshow features and themes. It now appears that Apple is already working on the next round of improvements by adding more advanced facial recognition features to iPhoto for home slideshows or work presentations. Interestingly, the patent shows us that this iPhoto feature is designed to work on iOS devices. Another Apple patent published today discusses a new handheld device latch that will make it easier to access batteries. Apple is mum as to which handheld device the latch is for. And lastly, there's news of a third party developer working on a tripod for iPod and other iOS devices that could help us take steadier videos and photos. That was only a matter of time, though it probably won't be ready in time for this summer.
On July 9, 2009, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals various concepts behind a newly advanced facial detection and recognition system. Although the system described is primarily focused on use with portables such as the iPod and iPhone, it is evident that such a system will be implemented throughout Apple's hardware lineup - and eventually spill over to future applications such as television, a vehicle navigation system, a video gaming system, video glasses and so forth, according to the patent. The system will be used to identify those in communications with users via various methods of messaging including email, instant messaging, video messaging, and/or user voice call. Yet the most advantageous aspect of this system will be found in its advanced security technologies that will go far beyond simple password protection. The user will be able to program the facial detection and recognition system so that only authorized faces could control access to specific applications, be it a spreadsheet or word processor app - or to even authorize the purchase of content at Apple's iTunes Store.
