Apple granted a US patent

Fans filming comedy shows on their phones could be a thing of a past, thanks to a new Apple invention.

The tech giant has been granted a US patent for technology which would beam infrared signals from transmitters around the venue, which could disable the camera. 

Or in other situations it could display localised information on screen, such as descriptions of museum exhibits.

Although the invention could be a boon to comedians who constantly complain that mobile phones have affected their work, some industry experts say Apple could face a backlash from customers who could feel the company was encroaching on their ‘right’ to use the phone as they see fit.

Dave Chapelle, pictures, is one stand-up who issues a strict warning to fans not to video his shows, and has even trialled a system where ticket-holders have to place their phones in pouches which lock shut for the duration of the gig.

Chris Rock has said phones’ ubiquity has forced him to ‘self-censor’ for fear that material he was still working on in smaller gigs could be made public.

‘Before everyone had a recording device, you’d say something that went too far, and you’d go, ‘Oh, I went too far,’ and you would just brush it off. But if you think you don’t have room to make mistakes, it’s going to lead to safer, gooier stand-up. You can’t think the thoughts you want to think if you think you’re being watched,’ he said in a 2014 interview.

In 2009  Lee Hurst admitted  criminal damage after smashing an audience member's  phone at   because he believed his set was being filmed to put on YouTube.

In 2014, Michael McIntyre dramatically walked off stage during a show in Darlington because a  woman wouldn’t stop using her phone; and in November last year, Kevin Bridges lost his cool with an audience member recording his show at the Hydro in Glasgow.

Published: 30 Jun 2016