News tagged ‘trademark’
Apple Files Three Patents Describing Biometric Input Devices
The guys from Cupertino have recently filed three patent applications that describe a technology capable of gathering user’s biometric information, storing it and associating this information with a certain user’s profile that can be used to control other device or devices remotely. Looks like Apple is seriously planning to release a remote for its long-awaited television set or Apple TV set-top box that will allow to identify users and configure their accounts and settings using biometric sensors detecting fingerprints, voice or other personal characteristics.
Apple Granted Patent for Docking Station with Flexible Connector
Apple has been recently granted a patent for a brand new docking station for smartphones and tablets with a flexible connector inside, which makes the whole mechanism more durable and easy to use. The patent is entitled “Dock connector with compliance mechanism” and its number is 8.986.029. Below you may take a look at the rendering of the new docking station, which was included in the document filed by the guys in Cupertino last year.
Apple Gets Patent for Brand New Mac Keyboard
Apple on Thursday was granted a patent for “Method and Apparatus for Localization of “Haptic Feedback”. In other words, this is the document, which describes a brand new type of a Mac keyboard with a touch-sensitive flat surface similar to the one Magic Trackpad has. Physical keys on this keyboard are replaced with virtual ones. Their work is based on the technology nearly identical to Force Touch that debuted in the Apple Watch and the trackpad of Apple’s new 12-inch MacBook.
Apple Gets Patent for Eye-Tracking Technology
Earlier today, Apple was granted a patent for an eye-tracking technology, which can help users control the whole interface of a computer, laptop or smartphone. This technology will reportedly be used in the next generations of Apple's iPhones, iPads, Macs and even Apple TVs. The technology described in the document is unique as it allows users not to lose control of a cursor while working with a device. That is the key point of Apple's most recent patent.
Apple Patents New Home Button That Can Transform into Gaming Joystick
According to the latest patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple is currently working on a technology, which will allow to turn the iPhone home button into a small joystick for gaming. The home button with Touch ID will continue performing its usual functions, however, a simple push will change it into a useful thing for gamers.
Apple Patents Its Own Smart Pen for Transforming Handwritten Text into Digital
Apple on Tuesday was granted a patent for a smart pen capable of capturing handwritten text and drawings and turning them into digital notes or images to be displayed on the screen of a smartphone or tablet. Apple’s rights for the technology described in a document entitled “Communicating stylus” were granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent has a registration number 8,922,530.
Asian Smartphone Manufacturer Accuses Apple of Patent Infringement
According to the latest reports from reliable sources, Chinese low-cost smartphone vendor called Digione accused Apple of violating its patent. The Asian manufacturer claims the design of Apple’s latest iPhone 6 was copied from firm’s 5.5-inch handset with 8-core MediaTek CPU, Android OS on board and a price tag of 799 yuan. The iPhone 6, by the way, has a price tag of 5288 yuan.
Apple Granted Patent for Method of Hardening Sapphire Screens
Apple on Thursday was granted a patent for a technology of hardening the sapphire structure. The patent application was published on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office official website. The patent is entitled "Sapphire property modification through ion implantation" and it describes a method of adding ions in a sapphire structure so that it becomes stronger and prevents this material from cracking. The advantage of the new technology is that it allows to make the sapphire stronger without using the chemicals.
Apple Files Patent for New OS X Virtual Assistant
The guys from Cupertino are currently thinking about making Siri available on their Mac OS X platform. According to the latest patent application published by the U.S. patent and Trademark Office, Apple is working on a virtual assistant for its desktops.
Top 10 Stories of the Week
Like every Sunday, I’d like to tell you about the most interesting posts of the last seven days. Let’s start.
Healthbook, HealthKit and iResearch Are Now Apple's Trademarks
Apple has reportedly filed trademarks for several apps and features from the upcoming iOS 8, namely, Healthbook, HealthKit, iResearch and some other. Apart from the filings related directly to Healthbook, there're some that deal with other iOS features. One of those is the Apple CarPlay trademark, which was filed in February.
Apple to Start Working on New Device-Unlocking System?
According to the latest patent filings published on Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, Apple is planning to develop a new device-unlocking system. This system will allow users to unlock their iOS devices by connecting a set of illuminated dots, so that drawing a custom pattern on the screen of the device. The patent applications are entitled 'Gesture entry techniques'. There're two filings that deal with the new technology, not one, which a bit strange, I guess.
Apple Was Granted Patent for 'Transparent Texting’ Tech
Last week Apple was granted another patent entitled ‘Transparent Texting’. According to a patent application published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the company from Cupertino is planning to develop a system that will automatically change the background image of popular messaging apps and replace it with a live video feed from the device’s rear camera. Interesting idea, don’t you think so?
Apple Files Patent Application for Pressure-Sensitive Touch Screen
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published another Apple’s patent filing that describes a pressure-sensitive touch screen for iPhone or iPad. The company from Cupertino suggests to use several sensors to detect the level of pressure user applies to the display. Such sensors can be used as a secondary mode of input.
Apple to 'Teach' Siri to Search Your iPhone Photos
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published Apple’s new patent. The technology described in the document will allow users to tag their photos using Siri. Due to this new tags, Apple’s virtual assistant will be able to sort all of the images and search for them efficiently.