Navigating a video call can sometimes feel like a juggling act, especially when we're unable to restrict what others can see in our background. You might not want your colleagues to view the messy room behind you, or simply wish to create a more professional atmosphere. This issue has been addressed by tech giant, Apple, in an inventive solution registered under the patent number US11770600B2.
The problem with most current video call interfaces is that they lack efficient user controls. Precise detailing like hiding specific parts of a display is generally cumbersome and inefficient, often necessitating multiple steps. This goes against the very essence of user-friendly experiences, leading to time wastage and battery drainage which is particularly inconvenient for devices operating on battery power.
Apple's patent proposes an efficient approach to manage live video communication. The technology will allow users to control what aspects of their background are displayed during video calls. This means you could potentially hide the pile of unfolded laundry behind you while on a professional call, giving the impression of a tidy workspace.
The implications of this technology are noteworthy particularly when considering the drastic switch we've made towards digital communication in the last couple of years. Imagine a classroom setting where a student studying remotely may not want their home environment to be visible; with this new patented technology, they would have the ability to selectively display their surroundings, thereby enabling a more focused learning environment. Similarly, professionals working remotely could spare their colleagues unnecessary distractions.
The flip side of the technology reveals an exciting possibility too. Say, for example, during a virtual tour of a property, the estate agent might want to highlight certain aspects of a room while disregarding others. With the flick of a switch, they can choose which portions are displayed on the video call, and which aren't. The technology could make virtual interactions more versatile, personalized, and respect users' privacy to a greater extent.
However, as promising as this technology looks, it's worth noting that its existence as a patent doesn't guarantee its immediate availability in the market. Patents can sometimes take a long time to reach the actual consumer market and in some instances, they never do. But for now, the concept of turning our immediate environment into a selective, personalized background during video calls sounds like an appealing solution to some of our digital communication woes.