Debunk: Schiller's front facing iPhone 3G camera

So there's a sensational rumor going around that Phil Schiller unwittingly presented MobileMe at WWDC using an iPhone 3G with a front facing video camera. The very same camera fanboys wished for but Apple choose not to include in the final specs. The idea that Schiller would unknowingly demonstrate such a device is, to put it mildly, absurd. The fact that the evidence is reviewable -- and in HD -- on Apple's website makes it even more so. If you care to look for yourself, the mysterious grease spot appears at 1:18:28 during the keynote. Just be forewarned: you'll never be able to reclaim those 10 minutes when you might need them most. The pictures above should be proof enough.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 12th 2008 12:35PM]

what is the third arrow pointing to?

[derX Posted Jun 12th 2008 3:33PM]

Engadget's just explaining that those apparent cameras are actually just grease spots. Each arrow points to a grease spot. The third one, which is glossy like the other one, obviously is not a front facing camera or LED indicator or anything like that, so they're saying that those two other spots, too, are just...spots.

[firesign Posted Jun 12th 2008 12:55PM]

ok, seriously, some people have way too much free time.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 12th 2008 2:23PM]

im sure glad they do! but what is that very right arrow for?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 12th 2008 6:28PM]

It's a second proximity sensor, that's all.

(From World of Apple...) Apple added it to improve the accuracy of face detection.

On the first-generation iPhone Apple included a proximity sensor just above and to the right of the earpiece, when activated the sensor turns the iPhone’s screen off preventing accidental screen presses and unnecessary battery waste.

As a result of the second sensor to the left of the earpiece many case manufacturers have increased the size of the opening around the earpiece.