Apple's 'transparent texting' could help you text and walk
- Video: Road rager crashes after flipping woman the bird
- Giant 16-inch rat terrorizes family, chases cat
- Mom arrested for BUI, breastfeeding under the influence
- Teen says he can save government $370 million
- Your stick figure family may be putting your family in danger
Texting and walking might soon get a little easier and safer.
Apple is reportedly looking into "transparent texting" that will allow users to send a message and see what's in front of them at the same time. (Via KNBC)
The technology is actually relatively straightforward. TechCrunch reports a patent circulating Thursday filed back in 2012 explains how the background of a text message can be replaced with a live video feed via an iPhone's camera.
According to PC Magazine, the transparent background would be activated within the texting app — or for the more daring, even applied to other features such as e-books or webpages so users can walk and read without running into obstacles.
Apple has not specified when or even if the technology will be integrated into a software update, but some suggest the newest iOS has the capability to carry the feature whenever it's available.
Apple's newest iOS 7 makeover already uses some transparency features with the new control center and keyboard elements.
And a writer for AppleInsider says a "transparent texting window could even be considered a good fit with the new 'flat,' layered iOS 7 design aesthetic."
But for those who want to get their hands on the technology now, there are some third-party options.
Android users can download Walk N Text, which makes the background of any app transparent with a transparent keyboard overlay.
And for iPhone users, Type n Walk offers the transparency feature with a downside — the app will not directly send the message. Users would have to copy the text from the app and paste it into an existing non-transparent texting app to send it.
It's currently unknown when Apple will offer the feature, but we think you're better off putting the phone away while walking. (Via BuzzFeed)
More Stories
The Latest
