Apple patent application two-fer: new gesture inputs, solar-powered iPods?
By Donald Melanson 
posted January 23rd 2010 3:23PM
posted January 23rd 2010 3:23PM
We know it's been tough with the dearth of Apple-related speculation as of late, but it looks like we now finally have a few more clues about what the company might be up to courtesy of a pair of recently published patent applications. The first of those is a new type of gesture-based input device, which would not only be able to detect swipes and other simple gestures, but things like brushing or scooping motions that take into account force and velocity (check out an example after the break). The other patent treads a bit of familiar territory for Apple, and describes a built-in solar power system for electronic devices -- such as an iPod, as illustrated above. That could apparently include solar cells covering the entire device, which could be configured to function even if they're partly obstructed by your hand. The system would also supposedly be able to detect if the battery is completely drained and rely solely on the solar cells to power up the device or, alternatively, switch the solar cells to a "second operational state" if it detects that the battery is charged -- if it ever actually exists, that is.
The typical unsubsidized pay back time on a solar photovoltaic panel in a full sun location on roof with an optimized angle for solar collection is over 7 years. That is for a panel that sits exposed facing the sky all day long every single day of the year. Also, if you were using your device, your hand is likely going to be covering a large fraction of its external surface area LOL where they want to put the solar panel.
A solar powered watch or simple calculator makes sense because the battery replacement for these devices is actually rather expensive over time (when time value for hassle is factored in).
I am strong supporter of solar energy, but not in applications where it doesn't make any sense.
I cant believe how many gadget fans think that a solar panel makes sense for a cell phone. I wonder how many of the people posting actually graduated with a technical or science degree? The phone is going to spend more than 50% of its life in a dark location- does putting a solar panel on it really make sense? You don't have to be a scientist to figure out that a solar cell is a half baked idea- especially not on a smartphone LOL
On the other hand, if they can get some kind of meaningful battery life or cycle life performance by adding a solar panel, then I will smile when I see it happen. For now I would much rather get the gadget for less $ and invest in alternative renewable grid power with the money I save!
@cosmicinglewood
Man, you really are a complete ass. Listen to yourself sometime.
@cosmicinglewood
You're an idiot. Do you think Apple's engineers are brainless morons? Don't you think that if Apple were actually working on something like this, it would be because the idea had actual viability? So far all you've proven is that you're not smart enough to come up with any way to make it work. but if Apple is going to make it happen, they're obviously smarter than you are.
And if they can't make it work, they won't release it. Anybody who knows anything about Apple knows that. You seem to be the only jackass who is completely oblivious.
i doubt we see this anytime soon... solar technology is not there price and efficiency wise for this to be viable just yet. this sounds like a good idea out of apple R&D though, and it was a good call to grab a hold on the intellectual proprety
Mmm. It pisses me off to see people think that this will not work. Does an iPod or cell phone spend every minute of its life in a pocket? Not only would this be an advantage to athletic people that have arm bands and are constantly running...outside in the SUN. But also for the occasions that contain's no power source near to charge a device. Why limit the probabilities to gather outside energy. Plus arn't we trying to move into the direction of wireless? Because its so fun to come home and have to plug your cell phone in ever day.
It's the iPod of Eli! No more stopping at sleazy towns to recharge batteries! Woo!
There's not a whole lot of power that can be generated by even a few tens of square centimeters of solar cells. Someone mentioned solar calculators, the problem is that a simple calculator can run for years using just a tiny 1.5V watch battery, if that shows you how much power a calculator consumes. A pocket media device or phone easily outstrips what a solar chip can supply.
Might keep the internal clock running though.