“On August 22, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals a revolutionary new flexible material that could be used as the enclosure and hinge mechanism for a future MacBook and several other products,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple.
“The new material is designed to purposely flex just enough to bend into a particular geometric form factor and no more so as to safeguard internal components,” Purcher reports. “It’s the kind of material that only Apple would take the time to invent so that they could create truly amazing next generation products.”
Purcher reports, “The method may also be used to create enclosures (or portions thereof) for one more peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, connection cables or cords and beyond. Further, the method may be used to create bands (such as an arm band to support an electronic device), garage doors, straps, handles, cases, bags, electronic reading devices, shades or blinds, and substantially any other components which may require flexibility.”
Much more, including more of Apple’s patent application illustrations, in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Fred Mertz” and “Arline M.” for the heads up.]
I hope Apple will get past the Gov/DOJ Lynch Mobs and finally get all the resources back on track. Creating Amazing Magical Stuff for everyone.
IGZO displays have been patented and been in production for years. So why is Apple withholding the best in current technology from users?
There is usually a good reason.
Most times it is a simple as they aren’t going
to use it in any way anyone else has thought of,
and they are going to wait until they get it right.
Other companies are integrating IGZO technology, so what’s the big stumbling block for Apple?
“Why is Apple withholding…”
Calibration and color matching for all Apple’s professional customers and product lines. Apple displays are widely used by imaging and publishing professionals. Others using IGZO don’t concern themselves with color accuracy — and it shows in their display products. Apple does. Getting color calibration consistent across desktop, mobile, and soon, HDTV product lines, is a must-have priority for Apple, and isn’t easy.
That’s going to make some really cool looking stuff.
Hmm. Looks like a two page iBook.
This material could also find applications in wearable computing devices.
I think the MacBook and connector assemblies make a lot of sense. I also agree with alanaudio’s comment about it being a nice tool for wearable products. Think of a cool flexible hinge for a pair of glasses.
This is simply Apple’s way of making use of watch band for battery and electronics in upcoming iWatch.