Future Versions Of iOS Could Display Dynamic, Shadow-Based 3-D Elements
June 27, 2012
Citing an unnamed Apple employee, a new report from Buzzfeed reveals that Apple may be working on a sort of ambient light sensor-based input mechanism for altering the appearance of various iOS UI elements.
Summarized by AppleInsider, the source said that upcoming versions of iOS could include dynamic drop-shadows (based on actual external light sources) "under certain graphical assets" to give the operating system "a higher level of realism and interactivity."
Unfortunately, the trick won't work with any existing iDevice's ambient light sensor, but methods combining said sensor with currently available gyroscopes and accelerometers could provide a serviceable solution in the meantime. Of course, the combined processor load powering that sort of embellishment (think Android's battery-draining active wallpapers) might prove too inefficient for Apple's liking.
Still, there is practical evidence that Apple could move towards such faux-3-D highlights sooner than later. Again, from AppleInsider:
Apple's attention to detail can be seen in an upcoming iOS 6 design element that uses an iDevice's gyroscope to change the perceived reflections on the Music app's radio buttons according to how the handset is being held.Here's the element in action (via Gizmodo): Pretty crazy, right? So like Apple says, here's to the crazy ones! And the little things. Via: AppleInsider Source: Buzzfeed Image: Loco in Yokohama
