Rumor: Digg founder claims 3G iPhone to do video chat

[AppleInsider]

Digg founder Kevin Rose, whose first-generation iPhone rumors fell short of their mark last Spring, is citing different sources this year in predicting that the 3G version of the handset will boast video chat capabilities.

During a 90 second segment of his weekly Podcast show "Diggnation" this past Friday, Rose told viewers that Apple may be restricting third parties from authoring applications that run in both the foreground and background partly because it doesn't want a competitor to its own mobile iChat application that will do just that.

More specifically, he claims that a 3G version of the iPhone hardware due in a few months will employ two digital cameras situated back-to-back -- one on the front side of the unit behind the transparent touch-screen, and a second one on the back of the handset as it exists today.

Combined with the mobile iChat application, the front-mounted cam will pave the way for live video conferencing over AT&T's high-speed 3G wireless network with computer-based iChat users, as well as other second-generation iPhone owners, according to Rose.

In the week's leading up to last year's iPhone introduction, the Digg founder cited sources in saying Apple would introduce the handset with a slide-out keyboard, two separate battery compartments, and make it available for both CDMA and GSM networks -- all of which turned out to be false.



Despite those misses, Rose has made some accurate predictions in the past, most notably his last minute reports of an iPod nano ahead of the player's inaugural release in 2005.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Outsider]

Hmm, I don't know how much weight this prediction holds. Dual camera seems kinda redundant to me and not very cost effective. Unless they bump up the quality of the still camera and use a dedicated lower quality VGA resolution camera for the video portion that would not add too much to the overall cost, then I can see this coming to fruition.

[Constable Odo]

I don't care if it's just wishful thinking on his part or just to get more hits on his site or whatever. To me, it sounds like a great idea to have a videoconferencing iPhone for social and business interaction. The only problem now that the hype has started, if the 2-camera model doesn't get announced, then there's going to be a major letdown.

No doubt about it, Kevin Rose has stirred up a hornet's nest. He'll be condemned as a liar and an idiot. That's the price you pay for making off-the-wall statements based on probably somebody having a happy dream.

[macbookschmo]

I agree - while it sounds cool it doesn't sound very practical and would tax the battery. And based on the Apple's history, I don't see a removable battery in the iPhone's future to offset this.

[naphtali]

I don't think it's anything surprising, let alone off the wall. A vast majority of 3G phones have 2 cameras, one for video-conferencing and another for regular photo-taking like the current iPhone camera.

Likewise, video chat is not a rarity at all. It's not commonly used in many places due to high data charges, but the feature is already supported on most/all 3G phones.

If anything, perhaps this tells us that his 'sources' are mostly just educated guesses based on industry trends or just his wish-list.


That said, one unique detail is that the front-facing camera is supposed to be behind the 'transparent' touchscreen. Again, could just be culled from the old Apple patent filing. But it's really interesting nonetheless.

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by Constable Odo

I don't care if it's just wishful thinking on his part or just to get more hits on his site or whatever. To me, it sounds like a great idea to have a videoconferencing iPhone for social and business interaction. The only problem now that the hype has started, if the 2-camera model doesn't get announced, then there's going to be a major letdown.

No doubt about it, Kevin Rose has stirred up a hornet's nest. He'll be condemned as a liar and an idiot. That's the price you pay for making off-the-wall statements based on probably somebody having a happy dream.

Yeah, the two-way camera idea would be a great feature, but so far that's the only thing he's said that even comes close to how Apple actually likes to design their products. A slide-out keyboard? Who does he think he's kidding? Has he been drinking John Dvorak's Kool-Aid?

Let me be the first here to engage in such condemnation: I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and not call him a liar, but that means then that if he really does believe what he's spewing, then he really IS an idiot.

Oh, and Digg? Get real. I'm amazed that people waste so much time there... all it is is a bunch of whining and griping about everything that people think is wrong with the world. Has anything truly productive and useful ever come out of Digg? Not that I've ever seen.

[Hattig]

Two cameras on the phone has been a standard feature on 3G phones in the UK/Europe for several years. Probably even longer than that in Asian countries. Why are people making such a song and dance about this?

[11thIndian]

I don't know. In the end I think that a double sided camera is the only solution that will ultimately make sense. Turn the single camera towards the viewer and it's usefulness for taking photos is diminished; leave it the way it is and forget video conferencing (outside of the crazy mirror contraption that was posted on youtube last year).

I don't think back-to-back cameras will take up any more power. Either one or the other will be on when it's appropriate application is required. In fact, it may be useful to be able to switch cameras during a video iChat, if you want to show someone something you're looking at.

This was really the only hardware limitation I saw when the camera was announced, and will be a logical upgrade for V2, especially at 3G speeds.

I don't know how much to believe this specific guy, but I hope he's right.

[danielandrews]

Just like that version of the iPhone he said he saw with the slide out keyboard & 2 batteries?

http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/12/03...om-kevin-rose/

The digg guys are tools, I wouldn't listen to a word he has to say.

[Zandros]

Originally Posted by naphtali

Likewise, video chat is not a rarity at all. It's not commonly used in many places due to high data charges, but the feature is already supported on most/all 3G phones.

That's not why. It is not used because it is inconvenient while bringing no additional benefits. There's frankly no reason to make a video call over an audio-only, especially not while walking.

/Adrian

[Cory Bauer]

When video conferencing gets added to the iPhone, video chat between iPhone users and computer-based iChat users is a must.

[sapporobaby]

Originally Posted by Hattig

Two cameras on the phone has been a standard feature on 3G phones in the UK/Europe for several years. Probably even longer than that in Asian countries. Why are people making such a song and dance about this?

Thank you, thank you, thank you. So much truth and wisdom in only a few lines of text.

[naphtali]

Originally Posted by Zandros

That's not why. It is not used because it is inconvenient while bringing no additional benefits. There's frankly no reason to make a video call over an audio-only, especially not while walking.

/Adrian

After spending so much money on the licences and infrastructure, I think the carriers really wish it weren't so!

Perhaps one way to get around it is through wifi instead of cellular networks. But if it gets too popular I should think that public hotspot operators would get pissed.

Anyhow, just looking at the examples of the current iPhone not supporting video-recording or 3G, I think Apple's very much waiting till they can get it right, and only if the feature gives great value. Same for video-conferencing I guess

[freeny]

Originally Posted by Bowser

Oh, and Digg? Get real. I'm amazed that people waste so much time there... all it is is a bunch of whining and griping about everything that people think is wrong with the world. Has anything truly productive and useful ever come out of Digg? Not that I've ever seen.

I agree.
So what is Digg? a place where there are threads about threads?
Whats wrong with the original tread? can I not talk about it there?
One of the most useless web items ever imho.

Can you Digg on a Digg? if not whats the point?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by naphtali

After spending so much money on the licences and infrastructure, I think the carriers really wish it weren't so!

Perhaps one way to get around it is through wifi instead of cellular networks. But if it gets too popular I should think that public hotspot operators would get pissed.

Anyhow, just looking at the examples of the current iPhone not supporting video-recording or 3G, I think Apple's very much waiting till they can get it right, and only if the feature gives great value. Same for video-conferencing I guess

I think Wi-FI video iChat would be the only way it would be allowed, just like VoIP is only allowed via WiFI through the SDK. I would expect a front facing camera to only be around .3MP.

[TimUSCA]

Originally Posted by freeny

I agree.
So what is Digg? a place where there are threads about threads?
Whats wrong with the original tread? can I not talk about it there?
One of the most useless web items ever imho.

Right, except you obviously don't get it... the point of Digg is to tell other people about sites that others have found. Social bookmarking is what they call it... sure, I can go to the individual pages and comment on there, but I wouldn't have found that particular article in the first place of not for Digg, Reddit, Slashdot, etc... its a hell of a lot easier than going to 5000 websites a day looking for updates.

[tacojohn]

They could easily put a small camera behind the glass like the "proximity" and ambient light sensor near the top that are already hidden behind the dark glass...

Also, if it's it's just a version of iChat for the phone, expect iPhone > iChat and iChat > to iPhone conferencing...

That would be pretty sweet- are there cell phones out there right now that let you conference with someone on a computer and phone to phone?

[melgross]

While Apple applied for a patent (I think it was a patent) on the behind the LCD camera a year or so ago, I'm still not sure how it would work.

The camera would have to image through both the polarized crystals, and the color filters. I'm wondering how that would be worked around.

[bdkennedy1]

His podcast from last year is still fresh in my mind, drinking beer and denying everything for 5 minutes and then giving it up at the end, which turned out to be all wrong. I don't believe any predictions from him now.

[RunLevelZero]

I registered just because this annoyed me. The video oh so elegantly leaves out the parts where Kevin VERY specifically says, this is all rumor. He said that he had some different sources than last year. Also at the end when he said, "don't post this on Digg", he actually said, don't post this on digg because I don't want it to come back on me when all this sh** is wrong.

Just FYI

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by RunLevelZero

I registered just because this annoyed me. The video oh so elegantly leaves out the parts where Kevin VERY specifically says, this is all rumor. He said that he had some different sources than last year. Also at the end when he said, "don't post this on Digg", he actually said, don't post this on digg because I don't want it to come back on me when all this sh** is wrong.

Just FYI

He states that its rumour 2 and 7 seconds into the video.

Also, this feature was rumoured long before the iPhone was officially announced in January 2007. With the SDK now allowing VoIP with WiFi and that iChat will be coming to v2.0 it's a not a big stretch for me to see how this one has resurfaced.

[Squirrel_Monkey]

Sources tell me that the next iPhone will help keep your cooked bacon flat and will push away people standing on the left side of the escalator.

[wbrasington]

Originally Posted by RunLevelZero

I registered just because this annoyed me. The video oh so elegantly leaves out the parts where Kevin VERY specifically says, this is all rumor. He said that he had some different sources than last year. Also at the end when he said, "don't post this on Digg", he actually said, don't post this on digg because I don't want it to come back on me when all this sh** is wrong.

Just FYI

Kevin is living proof that anyone with too much time on their hands and no interest in digging for real tidbits can just make up lame stuff over and over and still get people to fall for it.

Jeese...... what a bunch of ma-rooons.

[slapppy]

If this was real, and I really hope it is. It will bring in a new era in the way we communicate. As long as Apple can implement it smoothly. Meaning the experience would be top notch like the iPhone/Touch UI experience.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by naphtali

I don't think it's anything surprising, let alone off the wall. A vast majority of 3G phones have 2 cameras, one for video-conferencing and another for regular photo-taking like the current iPhone camera.

Likewise, video chat is not a rarity at all. It's not commonly used in many places due to high data charges, but the feature is already supported on most/all 3G phones.

If it's not commonly used, is there really much of a point in demanding it? It sounds like the new version of the Emperor's New Clothes. Everyone wants a feature, but almost no one really understands or admits that they don't need or use it. So why do people want it? Because the next guy has it?

[GQB]

Originally Posted by Constable Odo

I don't care if it's just wishful thinking on his part or just to get more hits on his site or whatever. To me, it sounds like a great idea to have a videoconferencing iPhone for social and business interaction. The only problem now that the hype has started, if the 2-camera model doesn't get announced, then there's going to be a major letdown.

No doubt about it, Kevin Rose has stirred up a hornet's nest. He'll be condemned as a liar and an idiot. That's the price you pay for making off-the-wall statements based on probably somebody having a happy dream.

Won't be a let-down for me. Just what I want to be subjected to... jerkey hand-held 'video' of someone's face while I try to (oh what's it called again... oh yeah...) TALK to someone one the GD phone.

Please. A solution in search of a problem.

Put in a good camera. (Or better yet, open up the docking connector to good snap-on camera with flash, good lenses, zoom, its own battery, etc.)

[RunLevelZero]

"Kevin is living proof that anyone with too much time on their hands and no interest in digging for real tidbits can just make up lame stuff over and over and still get people to fall for it.

Jeese...... what a bunch of ma-rooons."

What? Why did you quote me? I don't think all too many believe him either. At this point we all know it's wishful thinking. Dual camera? I doubt it with how battery conscience Apple is, especially if they really are adding 3G.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Constable Odo

The only problem now that the hype has started, if the 2-camera model doesn't get announced, then there's going to be a major letdown.

Yeah. The stock is going to see-saw for a while if this keeps up.

The next time it gets to $200+, I am selling. I think. Well, maybe some. Well, maybe just enough to buy the 3G phone in whatever manifestation it assumes.....

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by RunLevelZero

WTH is your point?

Who are you responding to?

[Gm7Cadd9]

wow, I didn't realize how wildly unpopular digg is 'round these parts.

Unsubstantiated claims and rumors are nothing new to this community... I don't doubt that a future version of the iphone will indeed have this technology, maybe 3rd revision.

I love Digg, and I happen to like Kevin Rose, thats not to say everything he says is the gospel, but with that being said... am I the only one who remembers AOL IM being shown at the SDK Event?????

-Roy

[SpamSandwich]

Who listens to Kevin Rose? He's a drunk idiot.

[EagerDragon]

Some of you seem ready to stone the guy to death.

I separate the person from his sources. This happens all the time. Sources have old information or have been provided with false data from Steve and friends.

• The issue with the double battery was likely correct, there were probably a single Batt and a dual Batt device, a change was probably made at the last minute.
  
• The slide out keyboard was probably coming out of mis-information from Apple itself, to trow people off. Remember there were many different models of the iPhone, at least 10, likely there were more than that but some of them were for dis-information.
  
• The video on the front is something logical that many of us have asked for since the phone came out.

I think he is being honest, but some of his sources maybe compromised or the information maybe several months old and some of the decisions may have changed.

Are you going after him or his sources?

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by EagerDragon

Are you going after him or his sources?

We're just good and ready for a public stoning. Bring your own rock.

[8CoreWhore]

Most people would rather not look at each other....

[planetWC]

Originally Posted by Gm7Cadd9

wow, I didn't realize how wildly unpopular digg is 'round these parts.

Unsubstantiated claims and rumors are nothing new to this community... I don't doubt that a future version of the iphone will indeed have this technology, maybe 3rd revision.

I love Digg, and I happen to like Kevin Rose, thats not to say everything he says is the gospel, but with that being said... am I the only one who remembers AOL IM being shown at the SDK Event?????

-Roy

I remember the AOL IM demo. The AI forums seem to be home to Extreme Fanbois.
If a rumor doesn't start from here, then it is bogus and you must denigrate the source, whether or not the feature might be useful. A rumor is just a rumor. No need to get all worked up and flame on. As other phones have higher resolution cameras, it certainly would be nice if the iPhone had a higher resolution camera. *IF* video conferencing were to be supported it would make sense to add a second one on the front. Here's hoping we get a least a 5megapixel camera, like the nokia units have.

[lecorbu]

I am not sure apple will put another camera on the Iphone.

Take a look at a "work around" for that.

http://www.createthefuturecontest.co...ml?entryID=365

Fair disclosure, I designed the concept for a competition that is over, I came in 6th of 629 (they had a strange way of counting votes)

Flame away!

[Galley]

Why do we need two cameras? My current 3G phone has a camera that swivels. Are we relaly that lazy that we can't swivel a camera to do video iChats?

[lecorbu]

[

QUOTE=lecorbu;1233247]I am not sure apple will put another camera on the Iphone.

Take a look at a "work around" for that.

http://www.createthefuturecontest.co...ml?entryID=365

Fair disclosure, I designed the concept for a competition that is over, I came in 6th of 629 (they had a strange way of counting votes)

Flame away! [/QUOTE]

Broken link, oops

http://www.createthefuturecontest.co...ml?entryID=365

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Galley

Why do we need two cameras? My current 3G phone has a camera that swivels. Are we relaly that lazy that we can't swivel a camera to do video iChats?

We don't need one camera on a phone either. The simple answer is that a 2nd camera is less costly and less prone to break than adding a moving component.

Originally Posted by lecorbu

Broken link, oops

http://www.createthefuturecontest.co...ml?entryID=365

You can edit a post. You don't need to make another one to correct syntax errors.

[Tofino]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

If it's not commonly used, is there really much of a point in demanding it? It sounds like the new version of the Emperor's New Clothes. Everyone wants a feature, but almost no one really understands or admits that they don't need or use it. So why do people want it? Because the next guy has it?

that was my first thought. how many people do you see doing video calls outside of telecom commercials and sales rooms? one thing apple does not suffer from is 'featuritis' and adding more hardware to the iphone to appeal to a small percent of potential users is not apple's style. i'm sure there are other features that are more important to a larger base that should be considered first.