Apple files for Face and Presence Detection patent.

[cereal killer]

Now I know what your thinking and it probably looks something like "What the #*&%$*#?!!! This is already implemented in ICS!" So how can they file for this patent? Easy. Apple has been working on this since 2009 as referenced here at Patently Apple. Originally it was not intended for iOS or mobile devices but for home and enterprise security applications but who's to say they will not apply it across the board. This news seems a bit ludicrous that Apple would file for a patent on technology thats been seen in Sci-Fi flicks for years but the patent is pretty thorough.

It is a bit premature to try and decipher Apples intentions and where they will go with this but it doesn't look so good for Google. In reality the Face Unlock is a little gimmicky and most people will not be terribly upset if the tech is done away with but it's the principle that is going to upset the legion of Android fans.

Google has not raised an eyebrow at Apples notification bar and this may be the straw that breaks the Camels back.

We'd like to hear your thoughts.



Source: Android Guys

[LoneWolfArcher]

Apple is turning into nothing more than a patent troll.

[tjk629]

Some of Sony's HDTVs have Presence Detection.

[kodiak799]

It is getting more and more ridiculous.

Android should be safe based on "prior art". However, what these articles may be missing is Apple is perfectly within their rights to patent specific mechanics/architecture and protect their IP. If Apple's way is somehow more secure or effective, then Android will have to go a different route to improve on its approach.

[RETG]

Why Google has not patented this amazes me. Why they have not filed for the notification bar, pees me off. I am against these types of lawsuits; however, Apple has pushed it to the limit and it is time for all the phone manufacturers, google and anyone else who has a need, to sue Apple back to the stone age.

[bluefire7002]

HAH.... this is just another reason why I will never own an Iphone

[BenLand150]

Android/Googles fault for not filing for the notification bar and face detection first. As much as it pains me to say it..

[BigZig]

Hey i found and drawing that my grandpa did back in 1919 of a thing called a "Mobile Phone" or something can i go back and patent that and sue all phone manufacturers for stealing my families idea. All joking aside haven't we had facial recognition software for a long time now? Now just because they are putting it in a Phone they can now patent it, does not make much sence to me.

[Arkbird]

Well Apple applied for this patent last year, it's just now becoming public.

[jkhonea]

Well Apple applied for this patent last year, it's just now becoming public.

Don't start going and bringing facts into this.