Apple patents “Smart Covers” for devices
Filed under: Apple
Apple has patented a new kind of cover or skin for devices like the iPhone and iPad. The "smart covers" deliver a paradigm shift for electronic device covers, according to the patent. Apple notes that traditional skins and covers only provide protection from dents and scratches. A smart device cover would add at least one electronic function to traditional skins, allowing not only protection of the device, but augmentation of the devices capabilities.
Force sensors, solar grids, lighting effects, illuminated bezels, and even video conferencing are among the myriad uses the patent discusses for various smart covers. Additionally the patent discusses adding a physical keyboard and game pad smart cover to touch screen devices.
As always, just because Apple patents a device doesn't mean it will ever see the light of day. One is also left to wonder about the practicality of some of the skins (like a keyboard cover) that would obstruct part of the screen.
[via 9to5]
Apple patents "Smart Covers" for devices originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Apple patents "Smart Covers" for devices originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Apple acknowledges continuing 27″ iMac screen issues
Update: MacNN reports that a "reliable source" (read: rumor) has told them that Apple has ceased production of Core i5- and i7-based iMacs until they've fixed this issue for good.
At the end of last year, customers who bought 27" iMacs reported screen flickering. Apple acknowledged the problem and released a firmware update intended to fix it back in December. Unfortunately, the problem persists.
According to Ars Technica, Apple's internal support system is aware of the continuing problem and working on a fix. Customers who complain about the issue are to be told that their faulty display can be replaced "...in about three weeks." Note that the units currently for sale have a 3-week shipping time, so you might want to wait a month before making a purchase Ars suggests, and we agree.
The shipping delays began in December when Apple declined to comment on why, but discussion threads pointed to the display. The delay was pushed ahead even further in January, which is how we got to the present 3-week wait.
Here's hoping this gets fixed soon and all you owners can enjoy your 27" iMacs in all their non-flickering glory.
Apple acknowledges continuing 27" iMac screen issues originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Apple acknowledges continuing 27" iMac screen issues originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Analysis: What iPhone 4.0 means for IT
Much of the talk surrounding Apple's iPhone 4.0 preview has focused on multitasking and iAd. But John C. Welch says the forthcoming iPhone OS update has plenty of features that should interest his fellow IT directors and system administrators.
