Apple patent explores light-absorbent matte black finish for its devices

Source: ColorWare

It looks like Apple has been giving some thought about having matte black products with a new patent it has filed. Filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the application is titled "Anodized Part Having a Matte Black Appearance." It outlines the characteristics of a light-absorbent matte black finish that can be used for its devices and the possible manufacturing processes to achieve this. The patent claims this finish can be used on different metals and metal alloys, like aluminum, steel, and titanium.

It has an anodized layer that has "randomly distributed light-absorbing features that are capable of absorbing visible light." The layer contains pores, "where colour particles are infused within the pores." And this results in a surface that has a deep, intense matte black, which is a colour that is generally hard to achieve. Most commercial black products are actually dark gray or blue. 

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Apple patent shows a Mac with a curved glass display

Apple has applied for a patent that shows a Mac with a curved glass display. The patent describes a wedge at the back of the desktop that houses its processing parts as well as props up the glass. Apple might also adjust the curved glass so you can fix the angle or fold the device shut. There's a slot at the bottom center of the device, which we presume is where you'll slide a keyboard in. There's a part in the patent that suggests this design could be used as a laptop dock instead of a computer.

If Apple pushes through with this design, we doubt this will be available anytime soon because, well, the tech isn't available yet. But it does give us a glimpse of some of the things the company might consider when it comes to designing its future products.

Source: Engadget 

Apple Watch patent shows possible addition of Touch ID

A recently discovered patent application hints at Apple Watch possibly getting in-display Touch ID for an additional level of security. The patent refers to "a touch sensing device, force-sensing device, temperature-sensing device, and/or fingerprint sensor" that can be placed behind the screen. It doesn't seem like a far off idea given that the Apple Watch already supports Apple Pay.

The patent describes having the wireless antennas on the watch moved to the strap so there will be room for more components under the screen. There is a caveat there, though. Moving components like Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth to the strap might affect its uses, given the wear and tear as well as the customizability Apple offers. But this is just a patent, so perhaps it might not see the light of day.

Source: TechRadar

Apple patent shows the company thought of putting a camera in the Apple Watch’s band

Image: Apple / USPTO

A patent that Apple applied for back in 2016 has been brought back into the spotlight, suggesting the company looked into integrating a camera into its smartwatch. Apple’s approach was to put it at the end of the Watch’s strap, allowing you to twist and turn the camera to take any photo you need it to without having to contort your wrist into awkward positions.

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