 It is a habit that has caused people to walk in front of cars, bump into lamp-posts and miss their front door. But texting while you walk could be about to get safer, if rumours about a new iPhone feature are true. Apple experts have apparently created ‘transparent texting’ technology, which would overlay messages on a live video feed from the rear camera. This would mean you could reply to texts from friends and check the pavement for obstacles at the same time from your smartphone’s screen. Avid eBook readers could also have their background changed to the street ahead, allowing iPhone users to be nose deep in a novel as they walk to work. A patent filed in the US adds: ‘A user who is walking while participating in a text messaging session may inadvertently collide with or stumble over objects in his path. ‘This is because their attention would have been focused on their device’s display instead of the path they were traversing.’ According to Apple Insider, it is not yet known if the transparent texting feature could be included in a future iOS 7 upgrade. There will probably be ergonomic issues, too – as users would have to point the iPhone camera straight ahead while walking to achieve full visibility. The patent application – which lists Stephen T Payne as the inventor – is illustrated by a line drawing, featuring a strange iMessage exchange about a frightening cow. However, Apple is not the first to explore transparent texting. An app which allows people to text while their rear camera is activated has been available as a download for iPhones since 2009. There is similar software for Android devices, too. Metro
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