Apple set to release new ‘chameleon’ Macs, iPods that dynamically change color?

19 years ago

Way back in December 2002, we reported that Apple had applied for a new United States Patent, number 20020190975, for a “computing device with dynamic ornamental appearance.”

From Apple’s filing: “The invention pertains to electronic devices capable of dynamically changing their ornamental or decorative appearance, i.e., the outer appearance as seen by a user. The electronic devices generally include an illuminable housing. The illuminable housing, which includes at least one wall configured for the passage of light, is configured to enclose, cover and protect a light arrangement as well as functional components of the electronic device. The light arrangement, which generally includes one or more light sources, is configured to produce light for transmission through the light passing wall(s) of the illuminable housing. The transmitted light illuminates the wall(s) thus giving the wall a new appearance. That is, the transmitted light effectively alters the ornamental or decorative appearance of the electronic device. In most cases, the light is controlled so as to produce a light effect having specific characteristics or attributes. As such, the electronic device may be configured to provide additional feedback to the user of the electronic device and to give users the ability to personalize or change the look of their electronic device on an on-going basis. That is, a housing of the electronic device is active rather than passive, i.e., the housing has the ability to adapt and change. For example, the light may be used to exhibit a housing behavior that reflects the desires or moods of the user, that reflects inputs or outputs for the electronic device, or that reacts to tasks or events associated with operation of the electronic device.”

Patent application here.

In August 2004, The Register’s Tony Smith reported that Apple been granted the patent for the concept of the chameleonic device – a machine whose shell changes color at the user’s and/or the computer software’s whim.

There could be many uses for such a technology concept. iTunes-controlled or other application-controlled color changes to the cases of iPod, iMac, and iBook lines spring immediately to mind. iPods, due to space limitations, might not be feasible, but imagine an iPod that pulses along with the music a la iTunes’ Visualizer? Imagine your Mac’s case turning green when you have new email, or blue when your iChat buddies are online, or red when new headlines appear in your RSS reader. Or the Mac’s user accounts could trigger color changes that indicate which user is active. Or maybe you just want it to match your room’s decor. Such a “Chameleon Mac” could prove useful. Granted, this is very much a shot in the dark, but Apple does have the patent in hand and “one more thing” to announce soon.

Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple to release new computers and devices that dynamically change color? – December 28, 2002
Apple’s patented chameleon computer case could have many uses – August 16, 2004