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Apple working on video ringtones

by Dana Franklin Mar 7th 2011 at 2:00PM

Patently Apple recently uncovered a patent filed by Apple that describes methods for creating video ringtones for telephonic iOS devices like the iPhone. The technology is designed to allow users to automatically combine sound and video from various sources, including iTunes and iMovie, to create custom audio-visual alerts for incoming phone calls.

Patently Apple describes multiple ways the patent pending feature could automatically combine audio and video to create custom visuals for each incoming call.

In a simple example, visuals displayed on the device would react to associated audio much like a visualizer in iTunes. In another example, a layered composite could be assembled from multiple video or photographic sources. These layers could be independently animated based on different characteristics in the audio track, such as its mix of high and low frequencies.

The visuals would not be limited to 2D content. Apple's system could offer visual effects in 3D space, including movement, appearance, shape and differing camera angles.

The patent also describes a means for callers to send the "seed" information about a particular song or video. These caller "signatures" could further alter the visual experience for the recipient or offer dynamic links to relevant content for the receiver to check out later. Aside from offering a unique new method for verifying the identity of incoming callers, Patently Apple suggests this technology could bring social networking concepts to ringtones by allowing users to share their latest favorite songs and videos with the people they are calling.

The general concept of an animated ringtone is not new. App developers like iFoneTec already offer video ringtone software for the iPhone and Android platforms. (Note: iFoneTec's iPhone app appears to require a jailbroken device.) Existing video ringtone solutions appear limited to playing the same video clip every time a call comes in from a specified contact. Apple's proposed new technology seems to offer a more dynamic and extremely customizable experience that can be configured to some extent by both the caller and the receiver.

Of course, Apple often files patents for technologies that never find their way into shipping products. It's unknown whether or not we'll ever see Apple's dynamically animated ringtones on the iPhone. The technology described in the patent would certainly showcase the media capabilities of the iPhone and offer a variety of new opportunities for users to express themselves.

Apple's patent, credited to Brian McKnight and Michael Neuman, was originally filed in the third quarter of 2010.



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Patently Apple recently uncovered a patent filed by Apple that describes methods for creating video ringtones for telephonic iOS...
 

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Temecula window cleaning

Apple is genius! I would love video ringtones to help me differentiate calls from people I know and customers that want their windows cleaned! http://www.abmwindowcleaning.com

March 07 2011 at 8:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vandil

Future Resultant Ringtones:
- StarTrek-like RED ALERT LCARS display
- StarTrek-like Incoming Federation display
- R2D2 spinning head with beeps.
- HAL900 "Im sorry Dave..."

March 07 2011 at 7:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steven Fowler

Video ringtones are a lot like FaceTime: They aren't something that is actually important or useful, but it is a neat gimmick. That being said, the cheap old Verizon phone I had in 2004 had a crude video ringtone feature, and ever since I got my first iPhone in late 2007 I have thought video ringtones would be a neat iPhone feature. An overwhelming majority of my custom ringtones are TV themes (they have the exact same length requirements as ringtones, about 30 seconds), and it would be pretty neat to play the actual opening credits on the screen whenever the phone rings.

March 07 2011 at 5:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe

@Sjakelien. A movie? Well, for most of us, no. The patent covers a wide range of ideas and movies may be an option. The others options include 3D graphics which is cool idea and the seed aspect is the key. It's actually a conversation opener with friends or new girlfriend. The receiver sees a second or two of the video, answers the phone and you talk about the new tune. The seed will allow you to click on it later to check it out on iTunes. This isn't a feature for business people obviously. But Apple's demographic is pretty young and it'll work and they'll learn to take that idea and run with it in directions us older guys couldn't even dream of. That's the fun of being young. Trying out new things.

March 07 2011 at 3:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sjakelien

Quite often, Apple applies for a patent of which I really hope that it will be part of their products. This is not one of these.
Currently, it is possible to show an image on the screen of your iPhone. I use it to make fun of the person calling me, by showing a pig or something else that is relevant to that person. However, it is the sound that triggers me to (not to) answer a call.
There are two options: either you WANT/NEED TO answer a call, or you DON'T.
Why would you delay that decision by watching a movie?

March 07 2011 at 2:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Willcollum

Let's just work on custom text messages please

March 07 2011 at 2:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe

The idea that someone elses video ringtone could be seen by me is interesting and a means perhaps to stay on top of new tunes. It's like a "Ping" thing of spreading the news about a new hot tune or video. Being that it acts like a "seed" system, it may work. Meaning that after the call is finished, I could review the video or tune on iTunes with a single click. It's not a game breaker for sure, but a way to keep advancing the iPhone's feature set and a way to keep raising the bar on the copy cats.

March 07 2011 at 2:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
InfinityX

They've file a patent for custom video ringtones, and yet still haven't let us use custom AUDIO ringtones for texts and alerts. Baby steps, Apple. /rolleyes

March 07 2011 at 2:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matt Graham

I really wish Apple would allow custom text ringtones without jailbreaking! Is that so much to ask?

March 07 2011 at 2:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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