Get All Access for $5/mo

Want to Text and Walk and Still See Where You're Going? Apple Has a Patent for That. Apple has filed a patent for 'transparent texting.'

By Laura Entis

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You may not be proud of it, but chances are, you've done it. Walk and text, that is. No judgment.

Life is all about tradeoffs and sometimes, the ability to let your friend know you lol'ed at their joke is more important than the ability to see where you're going, which can lead to some unfortunate collisions.

Luckily, Apple's on it.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company filed a patent for a "transparent based" texting system back in September 2012, which resurfaced last week with the U.S. Patent Trademark Office.

Related: Do You Text While Walking? This App Wants to Save Your Life.

It's pretty simple, really: The patent proposes that as you text, your phone's background will display video images of the ground in front of you, captured by your iPhone's rear-facing camera. The onscreen result would be offer the illusion of a transparent display with floating semi-transparent text bubbles.

It looks a little cumbersome, though. In order to text and see anything besides your feet, you can't hold your phone like a normal person; instead, have to awkwardly hold it up in front of your face and point it straight ahead.

While Apple is a little late to the game -- apps that provide a similar service already exist, including Type n Walk, which has been around since 2009 – it's easy to imagine that if "transparent texting" becomes a baked-in feature in the next iOS, a lot of people are going to start using it. (Meaning hoards of people will start texting like this).

Related: What Does WhatsApp's Win Mean For the Future of Texting?

Laura Entis is a reporter for Fortune.com's Venture section.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.