Los Angeles: Apple has patented a technology that could stop people from making illegal recordings in theatres or stage programs. The company is working on a technology that can disable phones’ photo and video recording capabilities using an infrared signal.
The patent described how an infrared signal could be fired in places where video recording is prohibited. The phone would detect the signal and either alter what’s shown on the screen or shut down its video features completely. The patent filing suggests video capabilities would only be disabled if the phone is pointed in a certain direction. So users would be still able to take photos of their friends in the crowd, but their camera would switch off if they point it at the stage. Apple also suggested the infrared signal could be used to alter what the user sees on their screen and provide extra information.