The HomePod firmware continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. The firmware, which was released last week, continues to reveal interesting bits of info about other Apple hardware.
This time, it’s iOS developer Guilherme Rambo who has discovered lines of code suggesting the upcoming “iPhone 8” will automatically mute notification sounds when a user is looking at the screen.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone is expected to include a front-facing 3D sensor that will enable all sorts of facial recognition and authentication functionality.
As a possible extension of biometric authentication, the line of code beginning “TLAttentionAwarenessObserver” implies that the same infrared depth sensors may be used to mute audible notifications when the user is giving the phone their full attention and looking directly at the screen. Previously uncovered code within the HomePod firmware suggests the “iPhone 8” will also be able to scan the user’s face even while the device is lying flat on a table.
As is usual for reports like this, just because a feature is indicated in a device’s firmware, it doesn’t mean it will be immediately available for use, if at all. However, it does lend more credence to the facial recognition reports indicating Apple’s new handset will feature a new face detection feature, which could replace or supplement the Touch ID technology found on the current iPhone.
