Phones at gigs. Yep, we’ve covered it, but it looks as though there may finally be a light at the end of the tunnel. No, we’re not talking about putting phones into specialised pouches like Dave Chappelle or Alicia Keys.

According to Silicon Beat, Apple may finally put the kibosh on that idiot who watches the gig through their phone screen with a patent for a new technology that would allow mobile phones to be temporally blocked from using the camera.

An infrared transmitter would send out signals to any mobile phone in an area, say a live music venue, and temporarily block them from shooting photos or video. In other words, if you want to take photos of the gig, do it outside, mate.

“A transmitter can be located in areas where capturing pictures and videos is prohibited (e.g., a concert or a classified facility) and the transmitters can generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes commands temporarily disabling recording functions,” the patent reads.

According to the patent, the technology could be used during other events where organisers might want photos and videos barred, a museum exhibit or a comedy show for example, or maybe a super secret meeting between the Illuminati.

Either way, it’s certainly easier than handing out special lockable pouches to audience members, like the service San Francisco startup Yondr offers, and we’re looking forward to a bright future without the dim glow of a blue iPhone screen at our gigs.

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