Apple plans video ringtones?

Tuaw.

The technology is designed to allow users to automatically combine sound and video from various sources, including iTunes and iMovie, to create custom audio-visual alerts for incoming phone calls.

Patently Apple describes multiple ways the patent pending feature could automatically combine audio and video to create custom visuals for each incoming call.

For instance, visuals could react to associated audio in a manner iTunes' visualiser does, according to Into Mobile.

In another example, the publication says, the technology can assemble a layered composite from multiple video or photographic sources and then independently animate [images and videos] based on the characteristics of the audio track.

The visuals support both 2D and 3D effects, including movement, appearance, shape and differing camera angles.

The patent also describes a means for callers to send the 'seed' information about a particular song or video, writes Xsellize. These caller 'signatures' could further alter the visual experience for the recipient or offer dynamic links to relevant content for the receiver to check out later.

Aside from offering a new method for verifying the identity of incoming callers, Patently Apple suggests this technology could bring social networking concepts to ringtones by allowing users to share their latest favourite songs and videos with the people they call.

The general concept of an animated ringtone is not new. App developers like iFoneTec already offer video ringtone software for the iPhone and Android platforms.