We're not going so far as to suggest that this here patent application foreshadows
the kind of keyboard that'll be on a certain
Apple tablet that may or may not be real, but if the suits in Cupertino do actually have such a device in the works, they'd be silly to not apply this technology to it. Dug up by
Apple Insider, the latest app details a
multitouch tactile keyboard that would boast a dynamic surface for helping typists keep track of where they're at on the board. Essentially, the surface would utilize an "articulating frame" in order to raise and retract bumps to make typing without physical keys a wee bit easier, and while we're certain that it would take some getting used to, it's bound to be simpler than banging on a static surface that requires your eyes to be on it. Don't go getting your hopes up, though -- wouldn't want to get them crushed when
late January brings you an
iPod touch with a camera, now would you?
posted December 26th 2009 4:03AM
Will the "slate" have a camera or will it be an awesome gaming device (too)?
@Arkv2
I can't wait until Steve "Moses" Jobs stands up on stage holding a tablet above his head and throws it into the crowd, scattering the naysayers and non-believers using their crappy $300 netbooks. That will be some sight to see. Then Phil Schiller hands him another gleaming, polished aluminum tablet and Steve smiles at it and cradles it and says something like, "I have just given birth to my baby and the two of us will change the world." The applause and cheers echo throughout Yerba Buena Center for 15 minutes and mankind will have stepped into a new and brighter era equal to when man first stood upright. Yeah, Steve Jobs, CEO of the Millennium, just saved humanity. Salvation at the low cost of $900. A true bargain.
@Average White Boy Nooooo, he will have one tablet cradled in each arm. Then he will descend and destroy the golden Micro$oft calf and state that "Ye shall not worship false idols" to the sheep.
@Arkv2 If this was the time for a WILD GUESS, I'd bet that Apple is creating a new keyboard, period. A keyboard versatile enough to change language, layout and functionality. I'd give my right eye if Steve-O didn't drooled at the opportunity of a perfected Optimus. Apple is far well known for grabbing some already existing paradigm and shaping it up for mainstream-premium target audience.
They already said that tablets were impractical! But then again: they also said they wouldn't make a phone.
@Average White Boy
Or maybe he'll just walk on stage as usual and say "good morning, thanks for coming"
so the screen will have to be flexible and needs protection...
screen with built-in invisible shield?
This keyboard utilized almost the exact same layout as the Fingerworks(www.fingerworks.com) Touchstream multitouch keyboard. Apple bought them a few years ago for the multitouch technology.
@jasonw a prime-moving gadget – does look really futile at first (before the release) but once the users manage to harness its features.. Behold, it’ll became phenomenal.
The only caveat for iSlate a.k.a apple tablet is this: is to set a new technological-standards that the tablet industry, much like infusing a ‘minority like 3D technology’ on a tablet. Compiled details about iSlate: http://bit.ly/new-apple-tablet-best-or-worst
a keyboard that follow your fingers... is that what we're talking about?
I see now, it's a kind of blackbery bold thing, the other way around
.... nice work
Perhaps you even mean a multi-suretouch
@(Unverified)
Yhea, and actually it's on the storm 1 and 2 not on the bold :p
@DeviantmacG
What do you mean BlackBerry Bold thing? This is Apple's innovative creation and it will actually work. Physical keyboards on mobile devices are guaranteed be a thing of the past if they aren't already.
@Average White Boy
I'm talking about the Storm screen thing, where you got the feeling you're pressing on a button when you click somethign.
did anyone saw the new Eclipse touch coming litetouch tech with super slim keyboards and touch mice.
check their teaser micro site eclipsetouch as they will be showcased during CES 2010 / 7-10Jan.
very interesting indeed
This confirms all speculation that Apple will produce a device with a keyboard or sorts. CONFIRMS!
@Decoy
Sorry for the double post but Apple already produces many device with a keyboard or sorts.. its confirmed.. check out applestore..
@Engagged your sarcasm meter is horribly broken
iTablet? I just want my unicorn..
A video which looks similar to the keyboard:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDW5zyjhCbc&feature=fvw
@(Unverified)
It is similar to he "half arc" keyboard used for the first UMPCs, which was honestly the best implementation of a SIP for a device of its size.
http://www.comfort-software.com/e107_images/umpc.gif
Which I also remember was criticized for laying on top of the screen and blocking much of what you were typing.
This, just by looking at the patent illustration, looks like this is going to completely occupy the center of the screen, and is very un-ergonomic.
@LAY
Yeah, I always liked that design, though.
@(Unverified)
I think this might actually work better for something like this:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/10-gui-interface-looks-to-redefine-the-touch-enabled-desktop/
Then the keyboard wouldn't be covering anything up.
Enough!!!! Just bloody release something already. Ok, so it's a keyboard that is like the one on the blackberry storm or whatever had the clicking screen.. but with a few more sensors and multitouch.Wow, mind blowing stuff.
I know I'll get down ranked for this but seriously, i'm over it. I just want to see something physical. Not another patent application, not another upgrade to a product that once was revolutionary, I just want to see a new phsyical product that actually impresses me and Apple has not done that since the iPhone was first released.
@moggyx I just want to scream 'that's what she said' - but as tired as I am with these kind of jokes - your comment is (to quote yourself) "Enough!!!!"
Everybody wants to see this Apple Slate and we'll probably see this thing next month - sooo calm yourself!
@moggyx Since when is Apple forced to work on our schedule? Especially when it's something that has not been announced, referenced or even alluded to?
If you're going to blame anyone blame the blogs incessant yammering about each possible feature of the device may or may not have without any official announcements.
@blongo No, kind of amazed at the amount of patents taken out by apple over the past few years without releasing anything. The other thing that annoys me is that none of the patent applications from apple that come through any gadget related sites seem to be anything new or ground breaking.
For a company that supposedly thinks differently, I don't see it of late and have not for a long time.
@moggyx most likely you are just failing to understand what you are seeing.
@moggyx
that's because if they do market something they would like to prevent others from suing hence apple patent trolling
@HighestRanked
the only thing that may be unique is the popping dimples
but you seriously appear to be extremely defensive on everything apple and bullying others
@xconan wrong on both counts.
The fact that Apple is patenting several technologies is not a unique trait. Sony labs actually imposes patent quotas on some of their engineering groups. Who knows how much of those patents they actually use.
If moggyx is annoyed at Apple taking patents on some things then either a) he's unaware that many other companies do the same thing, or b) he just doesn't like Apple for whatever perceived biases he has
"...the suits in Cupertino..."
Huh? "Suits" at IBM, sure. Apple? No.
Btw, kinda late?
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/12/24/rumored-tablet-could-include-dynamic-tactile-surface/
http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/24/apples-research-on-tactile-feedback-for-touchscreen-keyboard-revisited/
late, not likely... posted in 2007
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/25/apple-envisions-tactility-on-touchscreen-keyboards/
Right on. Apple has something hidden... January come any quicker :)
Apple does something, Engadget pops a woody...
@fhlh
u mad?
anyone remember http://10gui.com/video/ ??????
"where they're at on the keyboard". I feel old.
Apple execs don't wear suits......
"but if the suits in Cupertino do actually have such a device in the works"
@rydewnd2
you know apple has more than one employee right?
Hopefully the patent I filed in 2007 for similar topics (but not with the same technology) will still be granted.
Latest Apple patent? It was filed in April 2006, and became public 18 months later.
Anotehr iPad story. Awesome. I think I just barfed a little in the back of my throat.
didn't microsoft have this type of keyboard layout for their origami project, but then apple copies everything and claims that they invented it... not original
@xconan hahaha nice one troll, you gotta try harder
@HighestRanked
this patent idea isn't unique similar to apple's invention of copy and paste that's been out there for years
http://www.pencomputing.com/images/dialkeys.jpg
@HighestRanked
are you on the apple pr staff?
@xconan are you on the Microsoft Apple-defamation team?
Apple copying Microsoft, LOL. I thought I heard the MS fanboys say the craziest things but yours is a new one.
@xconan
"this patent idea isn't unique similar to apple's invention of copy and paste that's been out there for years
http://www.pencomputing.com/images/dialkeys.jpg"
LOL, DialKeys is nothing nowhere near what this Apple patent is all about. Here's a hint, Apple's patent involves software and hardware, combining both to achieve tactile feedback on a multi-touch screen.
DialKeys is nothing more than a thin skinning software layer for generic Windows tablets. Has zero to do with tactile feedback nor multi-touch. http://www.dialkeys.com/dialkeys-on-screen-virtual-keyboards.html
Like I said, try harder next time.
@HighestRanked
dialkeys wasn't anything unique but their was layout that was used by apple in their illustration. as mentioned earlier, the only unique part of this patent is the dimples or that move up so that the typist can feel the tactile position. with protective screen covers on the screen the feedback is lessened and is gimmicky as apple lighted keys. i'm not an apple or microsoft fan. from a constructive point of view, apple did hire westerman the co-founder of fingerworks and the pivotal key to apple's multitouch claim which isn't anything unique as Jeff Han http://cs.nyu.edu/~jhan/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwGAKUForhM&feature=player_embedded had demonstrated prior to even apple coming out with multitouch