Now Apple wants to block iPhone users from filming live events with their smartphone



Holding up an iPhone will trigger infra-red sensors installed at the venue

These instruct the device to shut down its camera



The days of filming a live concert or sporting event on your iPhone may soon be a distant memory.

Apple is developing software that will sense when a smartphone user is trying to record a live event, and then switch off the device's camera.

Anybody holding up their iPhone will find it triggers infra-red sensors installed at the venue.

On the way out? Apple is developing software that will sense when an iPhone user is recording a live event, and then switch off the device's camera

These sensors would then automatically instruct the iPhone to shut down its camera function, preventing an footage from being recorded.

Only the iPhone's camera would be temporarily disabled; other features, such as texting and making calls, would still work.

Apple filed a patent application 18 months ago in Calfornia. It has just come to light after being obtained by The Times.

Such a development would be welcomed with open arms by many concertgoers, fed up with their view being blocked by a sea of glowing mobile phone screens.

OTHER APPLE PATENTS FOR INNOVATIONS THAT COULD SOON BE WITH US

iKey

Apple is working on a way to transform the multimedia device into an ultra-modern version of the humble door key.

Inevitably dubbed the iKey, the radical modification would mean that iPhone owners could abandon the traditional bunch of metal house keys.

Instead, users would simply input a personal identification number into their phone then wave it over an electronic pad fitted next to their front door.

Anti-sexting Apple has been awarded a patent to stop users from ‘sexting’, or sending inappropriate message on their phones. The ‘control application’ aims to ensure those who use it are not able to send anything that uses suggestive or potentially incriminating words.

The computing giant envisages it could be used by parents who want to monitor what their children are texting and prevent them using rude language.

But dozens of celebrities are also likely to jump on the technology to stop themselves from doing something they later regret.

However, the real reason Apple is developing the technology is to placate broadcasters upset that members of the public are posting footage of events on websites including YouTube when they have bought the exclusive rights.

Many of these firms sell their own recordings of high-profile events, including Glastonbury and Wimbledon, and dislike being pipped to the post by reams of amateur footage online.

Assisting record companies in this manner is likely to help Apple secure more favourable terms with labels when negotiating deals to place music for sale on its iTunes website.



It could also potentially provide Apple with another source of revenue by charging people to film live events.

The development comes just days after iPhone users in the U.S. found out they no longer have to rely on hackers to 'unlock' their devices to switch carriers or save money when travelling.

Apple quietly started selling 'unlocked' iPhones in the U.S. for the first time on its websites and in stores, for $649 and $749 depending on how much memory they have.

The devices are identical to the versions sold for use on AT&T Inc's network, but don't require a two-year contract.

The buyer will separately have to buy a Subscriber Identity Module, or SIM card, from a carrier to activate the phone.