Are You the Next Susan Boyle?

MacRumors is leaking information about a few new patents that were recently filed. Intriguing stuff.

I wrote about a patent for a biometric reader to secure Apple devices with either fingerprint or facial recognition, but it looks like Apple will eventually add command functionality from fingerprint patterns.

Want to delete an email? Simply touch your index finger to the screen. Need to compose a new email? Use that pinkie finger. Sick of a song playing in iTunes? Your ring finger can take care of that and seek to the next song. Very cool.

The other patent (related to my previous post) is a RFID reader. As MacRumors divulges:

"Finally, the last notable application covers the dual use of a touch screen as an RFID reader. RFID tags are small circuits that can be embedded in objects for identification using a special reader. Apple suggests that the an RFID antenna can be placed in the touch sensor panel itself, allowing it to also be used as a RFID reader. As RFID tags become more prevalent, this could add a very useful function to future touch screen devices."

There are also rumors of haptic feedback -- essentially, display technologies will allow for tactile feedback from touch screen displays so users can "feel" different surfaces as their finger moves across it. As MacRumors explains, "As an example, a display could include a virtual click wheel which vibrates at a different frequency as the center. Users could easily sense the difference and use the click wheel without having to look at it."

Warm up those pipes, because also in the works a karaoke-like application that provides feedback on tone, pitch and overall quality of singing ability. No need to try out for American Idol anymore -- you'll be able to use iPhone rather than audition in front of Simon Cowell to know you're no Susan Boyle.