iPhone may get 3D motion control

Apple Insider reports.

The concept was revealed in a new patent application discovered by Apple Insider and entitled "Sensor Based Display Environment". It describes a three-dimensional display environment that uses orientation data from onboard sensors, like a gyroscope and compass, to navigate the system.

CNET says the concept of controlling a device with motion is, of course, not a new one. Microsoft's Kinect has proven the technology to not only be practical and applicable, but popular as well.

In order to offer a 3D GUI on a device with a screen as small as the iPhone's, Apple plans to implement an array of technology, including device-side sensors that determine what the display should be showing based on its orientation and relationship to the user, as well as a catalogue of touch-free gestures to control that interface.

The 3D interface would be presented with a special screen, which shows each eye a different image without glasses, International Business Times notes.

Moreover, users could navigate the future iPhone interface with one hand, by only changing the orientation of the device. In other words, users don't even need to touch the screen to control their iPhones.