Apple could soon stop you from taking pictures at gigs

Apple have patented technology that allows the camera on smartphones to receive "coded infrared signals beamed from emitters in public places." This could theoretically disable the camera function entirely while the emitter is broadcasting a certain signal; it may also just pop up ads on your phone. It may be a total non-starter if you own any other kind of smartphone.

It's not just music-related thingies though - although many would gladly welcome something that could make people watch live music with their eyes rather than through a #filter on Snapchat/Instagram/whatever. Sporting events could also opt to implement the tech, as could museum exhibits, art galleries, guided tours etc.

As Pitchfork note, in 2011 The New York Times wrote about the patent: "The recording industry could easily use this technology to disable a camera during a music concert by blasting an infrared signal from the stage and in turn disabling an iPhone from recording the concert for purposes of sharing it online, violating copyright laws."

Apple applied for the patent in 2009, with the application published in 2011. Apple were approved earlier this week, as 9to5Mac and Patently Apple reported.