“Apple Computer has filed patents for a ‘smart’ touch-screen virtual keyboard, a two-way screen and technology that enables an iPod and host device to wirelessly operate as one,” Candace Lombardi reports for CNET. “One recently published patent covers a new method for ‘activating virtual keys of a touch-screen virtual keyboard.’ The virtual keyboard learns which keys are touched more often than others and adjusts the sensitivity of each key accordingly. Certain keys are given more weight over others, depending on the likelihood of the person pressing one key over another.”
“Another patent essentially turns an iPod (referred to as a ‘personal media device’ within the patent) into a remote control for another host device such as a TV or computer. The host device can be used as a monitor that reflects what is happening on the iPod screen,” Lombardi reports. “The patent also says that the technology enables wireless transfer of digital media between the two devices.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “kevin” and “glacy” for the heads up.]
MacDailyNews Take: It’s a veritable patent-fest so far in 2006 for Apple.
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Related articles:
Apple ‘digital media’ patent application hints at iTunes Movie Store – April 27, 2006
Apple patent shows LCD display that simultaneously takes pictures while showing images – April 26, 2006
Apple employees file for ‘wide touchpad and keyboard’ patent – March 02, 2006
Apple patent application for ‘Visual expander’ for touchscreen display revealed – February 06, 2006
Apple applies for more touch-sensitive display tablet patents – February 03, 2006
New Apple patents reveal portable tablet device, tablet video game application – January 27, 2006
yea…
As for the second patent… I already have this to some degree. Salling Clicker… I can control things like iPhoto and PowerPoint via my Palm and see the same things on the palm. Nice little app…. It will also control the DVD player app..
am i??? first
patent trolls
You don’t know the history of patent paparazzi. I do.
any bets on what will appear first?
1. iPhone
2. Media Centre Mac
3. iPod w/ wireless capabilities
Tom, don’t stay talking to those Mac-idiots! Come back to us Windows types- don’t just leave us because we’re physically hideous. The Truth is what counts- and what two things could be more True, more Seamless, than Windows and Scientology? Bring fashion back to our ugly slums . . .
4. 6g ipod with all of the above
It is OBVIOUS to me that this sensing tech will NOT be used as a ‘cam’ but will be used as the touch interface, opticle sensing, not pressure sensing… this will allow apple to bring up the touch screen keyboard by just putting your hand near the screen, and I am sure it will fade in and out depending on how close you are to it
isight replacement = no
best touch screen interface on the planet = yes
Its just looking for naked chicks and uploading all the photos directly to steve
“Please place your chest on the screen for secure authentication.”
OSX 10.6 with native nipple detection
How about iChat mobile. Now when my wife sends me to the store I can call her and let her view the stock on the shelf via my iPhone as I speak with her so I don’t pick the wrong item (God forbid!).
ooohh, I feel like George Jetson!
“Tom, don’t stay talking to those Mac-idiots! Come back to us Windows types […]”
Actually, Tom Cruise is a long-time Mac user. That’s why the movies you see him in usually feature a Macintosh in there somewhere.
oh God.
Steve wasn’t kidding when he said Apple had the most incredible line-up of products coming he had ever seen.
Time to buy more Apple stock, clearly.
TT,
Too damn funny!!!
I hope it comes to fruition!
Actually the cult of Mac is not unlike Scientology. Like Mac users, Scientologists think they’re the only ones who “get it”, and that the rest of the world needs educating. The difference is, the Mac users are right.
Tom, its me, Xanu. You may have gotten rid of the thetans in your body, but you’ll never get rid of the ones in your child’s body! HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!