Apple Patents Tactile Feedback, Fingerprint ID for iPhones

In the grand tradition, MacRumors has dug up a few patents that suggest what’s to come for Apple’s coveted smartphone. Pictured above is the concept of tactile feedback, which vibrates the iPhone in specific areas of the screen. This could be used to simulate the feel of a real keyboard or, better yet, buttons in video games. Then there’s fingerprint identification, but instead of simple security, Apple has fun features in mind, like the ability to dedicate music player controls to each finger. Finally, a third patent would utilize radio frequency identification, or RFID. It’s been suggested elsewhere that this technology could be used on a phone to remotely unlock your car or house. Cool, but way scary. [MacRumors via Wired]