Some of Apple's 22 new patents could affect future versions of the Apple iPhone or Apple iPad
Share:
While that sounds exciting, useful and disturbing at the same time, the patents we are interested in have to do with things that we could see in future builds of the Apple iPhone or Apple iPad. One patent that could result in smaller form factors for each device is one that allows Apple to manufacture a device using smaller circuit boards. This would allow for the production of a device by stacking chips on top of each other instead of spreading them out. Based on teardowns of Apple products, this is one idea that has not yet been used by the company.
Another patent is for a headset/earphone accessory that can tell when you have it in your ear. The earphone's function and that of the device it is connected to, can change depending on whether or not it detects you using the accessory. For example, with the earphone plugged into an iPhone, the phone can automatically have the audio move to the earphone when it is in your ear. Once the earphone is removed from your ear, the audio would automatically go through the handset's speakers.
Another patent covers a "hand-detecting sensor" that would be placed near the housing on the FaceTime camera. This would allow the camera to track hand gestures made by the user as a way to make user inputs without typing or pressing on the touchscreen. This would be similar to the way certain gestures are used as inputs for the Microsoft Kinect.
With 22 new patents to load up its legal weapons with, Apple's busy army of lawyers continue to build up a stockpile of ammunition just in case a legal war breaks out in the States or around the world.
source: PatentlyApple via TUAW
 |
A graphical description of Apple's headset patent |
Share:
Nokia CEO sets priorities straight: differentiate, differentiate, differentiate 
On top of checking in, you can now browse through restaurant menus with 
15 Comments
1. nightmare posted on 19 Jan 2012, 04:56 10 0
isnt pantech already using those hand gestures on their phones?how comes apple gets patents for technology that they didnt pioneer???whats cooking behind the scenes?
10. mctcm posted on 19 Jan 2012, 09:07 9 1
Right, who cares who actually innovates the invention when Apple holds the patent for something they dont actually do
f**king assholes. french revolution
12. Doakie posted on 20 Jan 2012, 02:54 0 0
pitchforks and torches.
2. spiderpig2894 posted on 19 Jan 2012, 05:49 1 0
hand gestures are soo past 2000s i guess
the earphone patent is really cool though
3. Sam224 posted on 19 Jan 2012, 06:02 5 2
As apple says "think different". Well, yes they do !!!!!!
4. mctcm posted on 19 Jan 2012, 07:51 3 1
This is like the patent for "data storage" using vague terminology that could include any type of internet operation
Patent law in the US is totally FUBAR
13. Doakie posted on 20 Jan 2012, 02:56 0 0
They'll think a little bit different while you think like ever other Sheep.
8. henrickrw posted on 19 Jan 2012, 08:36 6 2
Samsumg already opened the ditch for Apple coffin. Its a matter of time to see Apple fall.
14. Doakie posted on 20 Jan 2012, 02:58 1 0
"I couldn't buy a Samsung. I'm creative." "Dude you're a barista."
9. spiderpig2894 posted on 19 Jan 2012, 09:03 2 0
hand gestures are found in some SE phones like the T707.
-
1.
Samsung officials confirm 5.9-inch Note III will come at IFA in September, Galaxy S4 to hit 10 million sales next week
-
2.
What happens when the HTC One is overclocked to 2.0GHz?
-
3.
Rumored specs for the "rugged" Samsung Galaxy S4 reveal a different processor under the hood
-
4.
Alleged Samsung Galaxy S4 Active photos show rugged yet slim chassis
