Why Apple’s Latest Patent Could Be A Game Changer

Apple just filed a patent for a new kind of technology which allows buttons to simply appear on the flat surfaces of various devices as if by magic, fully interactive at the touch of a finger like disappearing touchscreens. No comment has yet to be made as to what the technology will be used for but my mind is already working full speed ahead imagining all the amazing things Jobs could be working on in Cupertino.

In the beginning there was a small square complimented by two buttons, but Apple came along and got rid of the buttons, turning the smaller square into one large button. And we were left with a multitouch trackpad. This led to a standard mouse being dipped in touch-sensitive paint to create the Magic Mouse. How about Apple goes completely and utterly crazy and gets rid of the trackpad completely, replacing it with a flat surface which, when you touch with a finger, instantly turns into one huge trackpad which you can navigate around with.

I’d remain unsurprised if Apple used the large space beneath the MacBook keyboard to hold a trackpad which only shows up when you press a finger down upon it, perhaps surrounded by dedicated media controls or shortcut buttons which disappear when not in use but then reappear at the flick of a switch, or maybe light up as soon as a media application is launched so music or movies can be controlled.

If this concept was extended to the rear of the MacBook the lid could also be turned into a media control hub or perhaps display information about the laptop. As soon as the MacBook’s lid is closed meters and gauges should appear displaying all manner of information. CPU usage or battery life for example.

Perhaps the iPhone 4G has lost it’s curve and gone totally flat isn’t just because there would have otherwise been no room for all internal components. Maybe Apple wants to stick a disappearing touch surface on the back. It’s always possible that the rear could be used as some sort of secondary input which only activates when you flick a certain switch. It could also act as a quick reference for information. If a user were to install a newsfeed on the disappearing rear touch-sensitive surface checking the headlines is simply a matter of turning your handset over!

There are endless possibilities and I’m intrigued to hear yours so please share below.

By Steve.