Apple has submitted a patent that can lock users out of their iPhones if it detects that they are driving.
The tech would prevent motorists from sending sms messages or using apps while they’re behind the wheel.
The patent document claims the phone could work out if is moving by using a mix of GPS, the area of mobile masts and even the phone’s camera. It implies that the smartphone wouldn’t need any extra software or modifications to carry out the function.
Plus, the document suggests the tech could be enhanced by way of a signal sent from the car, or its key, to share with the phone it’s being driven and lock the phone.
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Nothing’s been done thus far for Apple devices, even though some Android mobile apps already perform a similar function. Plus these systems are also self-regulated so the driver has to ensure themselves that it has been switched on. Instead Apple’s tech would work automatically when driving is detected.
The patent was submitted back in 2008, but merely has just been published. The document also claims that it must be ‘doubtful’ that the police can stop people from texting and driving as it is harder to spot and can be done on the drivers lap.
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While making calls behind the wheel has sending, receiving and dropped messages is still a major problem. According to a newly released survey by road charity Brake, three in 10 drivers admitted to sending or reading messages while driving. This rises to four in ten for drivers aged between 18 to 24 yrs old.
The charity also found the use of apps behind the wheel to be an increasing problem, with one out of eight motorists admitting to using them while driving.
Read more: http: //www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/86764/apple-iphone-tech-could-halt-phone-use-at-the-wheel#ixzz303xlMrP8
