When a new technology is first introduced, many people will joke about supposedly funny solutions to potential problems. Handset vendors for Hong Kong's 3G cellular provider, Hutchison Whampoa's 3, are exploring just such a solution for a potential problem with video conferencing.
From Smart Mobs I learned of an article in the The Manila Bulletin Online that reports handset manufacturers are looking at a technology that would enable video conferencing users to select a canned, static background before the call is answered. The idea is to prevent subscribers from being placed in embarrassing situations.
A few innocent situations: You're calling from your office and you don't want people to see how messy it is. You're sitting on your couch at home and don't want people to see your kids' toys in the background.
Not so innocent situations
The not so innocent situations also are easy to imagine: You're in your lover's apartment when your spouse calls or at the beach when you're supposed to be in the office.
The article doesn't say whether the backgrounds will be provided by 3 or, as I suspect, the subscriber will be able to take photos of backgrounds for different situations. The article notes that users will have to carefully look at the backgrounds they select to ensure there aren't any tell-tale signs, such as a calendar on the wall with an earlier date or a clock displaying the incorrect time.
Also, as the article points out, users will have to be cognizant of background noise. "Husbands may find themselves having to explain why there is the hubbub of a crowded pub from an otherwise empty office. A cheating wife may have to explain away a knock on the door and the call of 'room service' from a deserted living room."
Not ready for prime time
The service still is in the testing stage and there's no indication of if or when it will be available.
Currently, you don't have to initiate the video conferencing mode when a 3 subscriber calls for a video conference. You may use the "voice only" mode or select a canned photo of yourself.
(Hmmm. If you may now select a photo of yourself -- that I assume you'd snap on your phone and save -- why couldn't you also take snapshots of backgrounds to use?)
Not a new idea
Regardless, camera phones and their evolution into video conferencing devices are producing all sorts of interesting situations. The problem of cellular video conferencing "giving away" your location isn't new and has been discussed ever since the concept was publicized.
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