Tech manufacturers have always been on the lookout for the next best trend or innovation on their smartphones and other mobile devices. It appears that Apple will be going for more flexible and even bendable devices like the iPhone 6, iPod and iPad. According to recent patent sightings, units like the iPhone 6 may come with bendable cases allowing people to fold or bend them. A new process for testing small particles has also been discovered.
According to analysts, the use of bendable technology will be Apple's way of redefining computing experience. The patent approved under the US Trademark and Patent Office reveals Apple's ongoing efforts to create more revolutionary iPhone and iPod cases. The technology may also soon find its way to other devices such as the iPad.
Originally, the tech giant filed the patent last January 2010. Instead of the original system, Apple replaced the technology with the Smart Cover and Smart Case series. Analysts wonder why Apple wants to revive its work in this category. Recently, the Chinese Media, particularly, China Times, reported about the company's plans on creating a thinner build for the iPhone 6 by using a single layer of brightness film. Forbes also reported about a patent and technology allowing Apple to produce liquidmetal and sapphire together seamlessly. Apple's recent efforts support the company's move into bendable units.
Patently Apple highlights another patent granted to Apple describing the use of a testing process for "small articles." The testing process covers breakage points and bending stresses. The interesting part about the patent is that Apple reportedly obtained a similar patent grant. The company only chose to revise the claims on the current grant. The tech giant included additional descriptions like "flexible hinge" and "flexible flap."
The patent has a standout section about the "iPad." According to Patently Apple, the design before was not released. More importantly, the iPod and iPhone cases discussed were already part of the original claim. There is now the question what Apple plans on doing by reviving and tweaking these technologies.
Tim Cook did promise before that people will eventually see a different kind of Apple. Analysts think that the company may well be on its way to do so. The patent is under number 20140183068 with Matthew Rohrbach and Vinh Dieps credited as inventors. The small articles processing system is entitled "Apparatus & Method for Breakage Testing of Small Articles."
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