“On June 12, 2014, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals their ongoing work to advance iPad Smart Cover features,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple.
“In this current invention, Apple describes their Smart Cover being able to present live illuminated alerts and messages to users on the face and/or inside flaps of the Smart Cover using varying colored LED lights,” Purcher reports. “”
“The iPad Smart Cover includes at least the following: (1) a flexible flap having a size and shape in accordance with the display of the host device, the flexible flap having both a first and second surface; (2) a number of illumination elements disposed across the flap in a first pattern; and (3) a connector configured to receive electrical power from an electrical distribution system of the host device and a control signal from a processor of the host device,” Purcher reports. “The received control signal directs selected ones of the illumination elements to coordinate with each other to provide an illumination state.”
More info and Apple’s patent application illustrations in the full article here.
eh. Like a book I’m finished with, the function of a cover is to close it. Why would I want notifications on a cover?
I don’t think of my iPad as a book cover like you do. An iPad is live, it’s not a dead book. It’s a communication tool. I cover the display to save on battery life, not to “close it.” When the display is covered, I’d still like to know when an email has come it with a quick flash of light on the cover.
suit yourself. seems stupid to me.
I’m sure that Apple will cease any further smart cover development based on your “Stupid” review.
Steve might have, not the current bonehead.
With your logo of “Impeach Obama” I think that the bonehead is in the mirror.
well, unlike Obama supporters, at least I cast a reflection.
Yes and I can see that your that KKK hood looks so good on you.
yeah, right cowboy.
Oh neat, Apple invented the HTC dot case…
HTC’s implementation is a simpleton’s idea. If you read the report and followed the links that they provided us with (at the end of the report) you’ll find how Apple is working on several ideas for a future cover, not just a single idea.
Apple thinks things through unlike HTC which designed the tiny cover for a phone, not a tablet. Apple introduced the Smart Cover in 2011, well ahead of HTC’s phone cover.
I wonder how much those will cost? I think the price of a cover for an iPad is high enough.
Since the picture is of an “old” iPad cover does this patent cover (no pun intended) the “new” covers that only have three sections? Just curious. Since patents can be so specific that they cover clicking on one button to buy stuff I’m wondering if they can be general enough to cover the use of a three vs. four panel cover in the artwork.
Patently Apple’s initial graphic under the byline shows 3 panels. After reviewing the patent, the design can be for either 3 or four panels.
Just another step, soon they will make shoe covers and using a GPS in your smart shoe and ibeacons the sidewalks will light up with illuminated alerts.