3D. We get it. But what's the infra-red sensor for...?

Well-coiffured computing behemoth Apple is joining in on Hollywood's 3D-Mania, it seems. The Cupertino company intends to launch a product being nicknamed 'iSpecs' by fans - basically 3D glasses that will interact with software to split the screen image of an iPod or iPhone (or, presumably, iAnything Apple) into two separate images which will be combined in the new glasses to create a 3D effect.

The patent was filed in August of 2008 but dismissed at the time as some kind of tardy April fool's joke. 'iSpecs' will provide high-definition 3D to consumers of Apple's products.

Predictably the company is refusing to comment on Monday's announcement, standard practice when it has not yet brought a patent to market, or given a new product the 2001 music at the latest expo.

It's clear enough that the idea of the Apple 3D glasses is to watch movies in hi-def 3D (which strengthens the possibility of Blu-ray players in the next generation of MacBooks et al) - what's less clear is the point of the external camera and infrared sensor mentioned in the patent...?

NY Post

Addendum: Apparently the infra-red is to let you know if someone is approaching while you are immersed in your 3D experience. Might even give you time to get your trousers back up...

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