Purcher reports, “Even Apple’s engineers consider the idea of an iPod or iPhone Smart Device Cover, nothing shy of being a Paradigm Shift in the industry. Don’t take my word for it, here’s what they actually stated in the patent: ‘Advantageously, the cover or outer covering according to various embodiments can provide a paradigm shift for electronic device covers, which have conventionally been provided for protection of outer physical surfaces of portable electronic devices. Now, the cover or outer covering can operate as an electrical accessory for the portable electronic device.'”
“Today’s report provides you with the first in-depth peek at this exciting new concept that will revolutionize the device cover segment of the industry. This report covers everything from the basic mechanics to the functionality right on through to applications that could apply to gaming, texting, video conferencing and even a solar panel version that could have your iPod running many times longer at the beach. And – If you happen to be a BlackBerry die hard, then you just might find the solution you’ve been hoping for: an iPhone with a physical keyboard,” Purcher reports. “It appears that adding iPhone and/or BlackBerry-like functionality to an iPod could be another hot ticket for Apple sometime in the future.”
Full article, with Apple’s patent application illustrations and more, here.
That about covers it.
It doesn’t work for me. I mean, you put a cover on the device and that cover has some value in itself so now, to protect your new cover, you need to put a cover on it.
Might as well just turn the iPhone into a clamshell so your new keyboard/solar panel/whatever doesn’t get damaged.
Apple has this covered.
Physical keyboard, that would mean Ballmer was right. Say it ain’t so!
So what exactly does this contribute above and beyond cases that provide an additional battery, or charge wirelessly, or have some other slight benefit to them? Don’t case makers already have this market space covered? (no pun intended).
iPhone does NOT need a keyboard!
And this can be patented??? Thought I had seen such devices already e.g. with a keyboard (call it a laptop or a not-so-smartphone) or a Nintendo DS.
The iPhone does NOT need a keyboard!!
FTA: “Video Conferencing: In one embodiment, the patent states that “the cover could include a camera (e.g., video camera) on its front surface. The camera may enable video/online conferencing or chatting via a handheld electronic device.”
Yes, for an iPad please.
I’m waiting for someone to market a slip in clamshell keyboard adapter for the iPad. Not that I want one, I just think there’s enough people that don’t get the paradigm shift that they’ll want to turn their iPad into a netbook. Personally, I haven’t used my laptop since we got the iPad other than to pay bills in Quicken. I could lose that as well if i chose. Clamshells and keyboards are so 2009.
I didn’t read the linked article, but just from MDN’s description, I think several people could be missing the point about the keyboard. I don’t think they’re saying Apple can/should/will make a physical keyboard for the iPhone. What I’m interpreting this is that the outer cover could be “programmed” (for lack of a better word) to provide a keyboard interface (not a port, but key positions) for input. Just how this would differ from the current virtual keyboard in the iPhone, I don’t know.
But, then again, I could be wrong. Even though I know people today who won’t own a iPhone simply because it doesn’t have an actual keyboard, I just can’t imagine Apple providing one at this point in the game.
I find this interesting and wonder what Apple will do with the technology. They seem to come up with something cool. I’ll wait until I see what they have in mind before I decide if I like it or not.
So, external devices, will come in cover-like formfactors. Sorta like the Mophie Juicepak, which makes their external battery in the shape of a cover. Okay.
Is this really what constitutes a “patent” nowadays? didn’t it used to be that you would develop a physical invention and then get it patented – not describe something that ‘could be’ in excrutiating detail and with a billion permutations and not actually have to make (or even be ABLE to make) a prototype? Anyone here familiar with patents who can clarify? I’m very confused (and feeling very old). Thx
@Birdman
“Is this really what constitutes a “patent” nowadays? didn’t it used to be that you would develop a physical invention and then get it patented – not describe something that ‘could be’… “
Those kind of patents probably went out of fashion about the same time as cars with mechanical brakes.
All it will take is Apple to make a deal with sony or msft for games and bam, the gaming cover with contols on the backside would fly of the freaking shelves faster than Apple could supply them. I’m one – if there are some great RPGs.
I know a lot of lawyers stuck on their blackberry’s because of the physical keyboard. That’s what that market wants and no matter how apple pushes virtual, they want physical. I’d say that there’s a pool of 10 million strong that would think of the iPhone on their next upgrade if there was some kind of physical keyboard option like is being presented in Apple’s patent.
I agree with Joe on games, for sure. The iPod touch lacks the gaming controls that i want. sounds like a good compromise – if Apple could work on a gaming deal. That’s really the deal here.
I’d like an air tight cover with cam so that I could take photos when scuba diving on my holidays. That would be really cool. Not that it was one of the examples, but still it proves that there are niches for great ideas like that.
Someone above thought the keyboard is part of the iPhone. Not. The keyboard is one of the dedicated cases being contemplated.
The thought of converting my older iPods into smaller iPhones is pretty cool indeed!
Cover your iPad with another iPad? iPad sandwich? iPad socks?