SDK hunting points to HD video on next iPhone

A further hunt through the same iPhone 3.2 SDK that discovered a new iPhone codename has unearthed an indicator that the Apple smartphone will also get 720p video playback and possibly capture. The MediaValidator preferences list file for the now allows videos as wide as 1280 pixels and a total 921,000 pixel count, or enough to match the 1280x720 resolution of 720p. It similarly recognizes the AVC 3.1 codec profile necessary to allow 720p footage.

Speculation on Engadget's part leads the site to believe that this will support video recording on the future iPhone, although whether will come about isn't immediately certain. Outside of the SDK discovery, the strongest sign is a report of the iPhone getting a 5-megapixel camera for its 2010 update. The higher resolution isn't necessary by itself to capture HD, but it helps get these resolutions more easily and often comes along with behind-the-scenes image processing improvements to improve encoding and decoding video.

HD is already poised to be a staple of Apple's handhelds this year as the iPad can already play 720p videos. The company isn't the first, as phones like Samsung's i8910 (Omnia HD) and several others could play and in some cases record 720p, albeit usually at low bitrates.

By Electronista Staff