Apple's Next iPhone to Include Video Conferencing

According to a a recently approved patent for the Apple iPhone, it would appear the company is looking to introduce video conferencing to the next-gen iPhone. The 358 page patent outlines many characteristics of the new device which has been awaiting for approval for over two years now. One of the most interesting features of course is the video conferencing where it would allow users to video conference each other. They also moved the speaker from the bottom of the phone to the front where it should be.

"In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of the device, opposite the touch screen display on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for either still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the users image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display. In some embodiments, the position of the optical sensor can be changed by the user (e.g., by rotating the lens and the sensor in the device housing) so that a single optical sensor may be used along with the touch screen display for both video conferencing and still and/or video image acquisition." a section of the patent stated regarding video conferencing.

Video conferencing is one of the most requested features for iPhone users. The ability to video conference opens a world of possibilities for the users as well as phone providers - having another service to charge for.