Apple's 'iPhone 8' may silence notification sounds when users are paying attention

AppleInsider

The latest code discovery to emerge from Apple's HomePod firmware may hint that the "iPhone 8" will silence notification sounds when a person is looking at their device -- possibly taking advantage of the phone's 3D facial recognition technology.

The feature is suggested by multiple references linking a "TLAttentionAwarenessObserver" class to changes in volume, according to Brazilian iOS developer Guilherme Rambo. One code string includes the term "supportsAttentuatingTonesForAttentionDetected," while another uses "updateAudioVolumeDynamicallyForAlert."

While it's not certain that auto-silenced notifications will appear in the shipping version of iOS 11, or even that the code refers to eye detection, the known presence of facial recognition on the "iPhone 8" would make that feature relatively easy to implement. Other code references suggest that Apple's technology will at least be able to automatically unlock a phone, and will likely serve functions throughout iOS, including Apple Pay.

It may also be able to scan faces from unusual angles, such as resting on a desk. Someone wanting to check an app might only have to glance over at their phone to unlock it, instead of using Touch ID or entering their passcode.

Apple should ship the "iPhone 8" sometime this fall -- possibly as soon as September, though production issues could force a delay or at least limited quantities at launch. Its signature feature should be an edge-to-edge, 5.8-inch OLED display, omitting a physical home button in favor of a virtual one.

KimTaehoon

I really hope that apple put embedded touch id on the screen let's beat samsung 

thrang

It's the accretion of many such subtle and nuanced features that go a long way toward end user satisfaction, much to the befuddlement of competitors...

JanNL

thrang said:

It's the accretion of many such subtle and nuanced features that go a long way toward end user satisfaction, much to the befuddlement of competitors...

Was thinking the same, all those small refinements are making the whole user experience better. Typically Apple!

scartart

Just a basic setting to stop the phone vibrating when on a phone call would be nice.

Metriacanthosaurus

KimTaehoon said:

I really hope that apple put embedded touch id on the screen let's beat samsung 

There is no Touch ID. This product was designed from the ground up to not need it at all. Face ID sounds like it will be a huge leap forward out in front of anything else on the market.

em_te

I'm more bothered by vibrations automatically ending my video recording.

stantheman

iPhone Pro could also PROVIDE notifications when the user is paying attention. Siri could say "You're looking good today, Dave." Or "Dave, it might be a good idea to run a comb through your hair. And this is the third day in a week you've worn that T-shirt."

mac_128

Metriacanthosaurus said:

KimTaehoon said:

I really hope that apple put embedded touch id on the screen let's beat samsung 

There is no Touch ID. This product was designed from the ground up to not need it at all. Face ID sounds like it will be a huge leap forward out in front of anything else on the market.

Yup. I have a feeling this tech will make it to the Apple Watch by the Series 4 model as well. It would certainly solve some issues.

jdgaz

To me its kind of annoying when my phone, watch and MacBook all announce the same phone call at the same time. All within 36 inches of each other.

rossggg

Why has nobody brought up the fact that FaceID would allow anyone to unlock your phone just by pointing it at your face, whether you intended to give them access or not?

Soli

KimTaehoon said:

I really hope that apple put embedded touch id on the screen let's beat samsung 

Screw any primary focus to beat Samsung. Let's get Touch ID behind the display if that feature is throughly vetted and progress over the current Touch ID. "Me first!" does not give me confidence in a company, especially when it comes to technology.

Soli

rossggg said:

Why has nobody brought up the fact that FaceID would allow anyone to unlock your phone just by pointing it at your face, whether you intended to give them access or not?

Because it's obvious? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Touch ID would let someone subdue you and then use your finger to unlock. This is why biometrics will always be a convenience feature over a code that you keep locked away in your brain.

vadimyuryev

rossggg said:

Why has nobody brought up the fact that FaceID would allow anyone to unlock your phone just by pointing it at your face, whether you intended to give them access or not?

They could have Iris sensors that will detect if you are actually looking at your phone or not. Or if not, the 3D sensors could detect if you're not facing the iPhone and then reject access.

joey_alias

I feel that the new way of unlocking your iPhone (Pro) is via FaceID AND you 3D-Touch the screen. This will somewhat simulate TouchID.