The smartphone has changed the way we hold onto memorable moments with pictures and video footage. That said, they still can be disruptive and used to record unwarranted footage. This has lead to Apple's new patent which would disable mobile audio and video in certain areas.
Hollywood executives support the patent since it would deter illegal bootleggers but mobile footage has played a role in political movements like the #Occupy movement across America. Social networks, another form of communication is an additional restriction of Apple's patent. On top of blocking audio and video recording, mobile devices would be forced into sleep mode in blocked areas. Ultimately, leaving your device useless: no calls, texting, Twitter, or Facebook.
Apple justified their patent in a recent statement:
"As wireless devices such as cellular telephones, pagers, personal media devices and smartphones become ubiquitous, more and more people are carrying these devices in various social and professional settings. The result is that these wireless devices can often annoy, frustrate, and even threaten people in sensitive venues. For example, cell phones with loud ringers frequently disrupt meetings, the presentation of movies, religious ceremonies, weddings, funerals, academic lectures, and test-taking environments."
Is this patent a feature you would like to see in future iPhone devices? Or do you think it would do more harm than good?
[via Mashable]
