iPad SDK Support for Front Facing Camera, Camera Flash, Zoom and Video Conferencing
Unfortunately, we already know how this story ends. Apple introduced the iPad in late January and made no mention of a camera - either on the front or back of the device.
Context & Ripple Effects
A February 1 report on a possible iPad camera had already put imaging hardware into the iPad conversation. The SDK references strengthen the software-side signal, while Apple’s announced iPad configuration contains no camera.
First-order effects
- iPad developers gain SDK-level support for front-facing-camera, flash, zoom and video-conferencing functions, despite the absence of announced compatible iPad hardware.
Second-order effects
- The mismatch gives developers reason to treat imaging and calling features as possible platform capabilities rather than limit app design to the first iPad’s announced hardware.
Third-order effects
- If Apple pairs these SDK hooks with iPad hardware, video-conferencing and camera-dependent apps gain a route into the tablet software market.
The trend: Apple’s iPad software framework is exposing communication and imaging capabilities before corresponding hardware is confirmed.