Apple patents wrap-around screen for the iPhone

A recently approved Apple patent might give us an iPhone in the future that comes with a wrap-around display. Described in the filing, the device will have a flexible screen so it can form a loop and have the image or video be presented in this loop continuously. This means they want to make use of as much of the screen as possible. It won’t be like Samsung’s Galaxy Edge in the sense that the patent stated the sides won’t be used but it could just been a bigger display to look at.

The downside to this is there isn’t existing screen technology that can pull this off commercially yet. OLED is the closest we can get. And also, this is still a patent. Apple could be future-proofing themselves but it doesn’t exactly mean they intend to make the technology in the near future.

Source: The Next Web

New Apple patent proposes a more durable Lightning cable, docking station

Apple patents don’t guarantee that the actual product gets made but here’s something we’re hoping would make an eventual appearance. Apple is looking for a way to make the Lightning cable more durable and flexible up to the tip. Accompanying this is a new dock that will make it safer and easier to charge your Apple device.

According to Patently Apple, this is the description of the new patent: “On August 28, 2014, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals an improved method of producing a lightning connector that has a newly defined breaking strength. This new feature will be able to protect the receptacle lightning connector and/or the electronic device from damage when a force is applied to the lightning connector. One of Apple’s patent figures specifically presents a new docking station utilizing this new feature.”

Source: Patently Apple | Via: Cult of Mac

Apple patent shows off potential features of ‘iTime’ smartwatch

The tech world has been calling Apple’s much-rumoured smartwatch “iWatch.”  Now, a new patent granted to the company by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office calls the device as “iTime” and reveals some of the features we might see from Apple’s wearable device. The smartwatch will reportedly support arm and wrist gestures with a sensor-filled strap, meaning you can flick your wrist to answer a call or something. The device itself can also be taken out of the strap (much like how the iPod nano can be attached and taken out of its strap). It will have a square-shaped design and have accelerometers, GPS modules, haptic feedback, and Wi-Fi radios.  We’re not sure if this will be what Apple’s wearable device will be like or when it will come out but we will keep you posted on any significant update.

Source: Mashable

Apple makes 'green' FaceTime icon official through trademarking filing

Phone makers are serious about their intellectual properties, take the ongoing struggles between OEM giants Samsung and Apple. They're constantly at war over patents, claiming copyright infringement with every waking innovation announced, so today's news should come as no surprise to anyone. Shortly after its big WWDC announcement earlier this month, Apple has gone ahead and patented the new flat 'green' FaceTime logo. Although, of course, things could change with the other app colors prior to iOS7's official release in September, its highly unlikely. Patents cost money and Apple wouldn't begin filing unless they were serious about moving forward.

[via Patently Apple]