Jan 05
Engadget released today that in 2008 Apple filed a 3D UI patent which was just published last month. It addresses the manipulation of 3D objects on a multi-touch screen.
“[The patent] seems more concerned with the core mechanics of using multiple fingers at once to get around in 3D space and manipulate 3D objects…”
Rendering of 3D Objects on Multi-Touch Screen
In the past Jobs had expressed little interest in introducing a tablet unless Apple could reinvent the concept, bringing a new user experience to the public. Adding 3D depth to the multi-touch UI might create the subtle sense for users that they are navigating inside an iSlate world of 3D geometric icons representing applications and files, perhaps with shadows covering nearby icons as they are moved, etc. We can only speculate at this point how this patent may be used in the iSlate or whether it is used at all, but it certainly does help capture our imagination as to what the iSlate’s UI might be like… think Minority Report.
Tagged with: 3D • iSlate • multi-touch • patent
Jan 05
According to MacRumors the iSlate may run on the new ARM Cortex A9 processor. This would be a natural extension of Apple’s use of the A8 range processors (predecessor to the A9) in its iPhones.
Unlike the A8 processors, the Cortex A9 is a multi-core processor with a superior performance-to-power ratio.
“The Cortex A9 would be a particularly good fit for the rumored Apple Tablet, as such a device is seemingly positioning itself between a mobile phone and notebook. Such a device would likely be tasked with more processor intensive tasks and be priced against Atom powered netbooks. “
Tagged with: ARM • Atom • Cortex A9 • iPhone
Jan 05
The Wall Street Journal announced today that their sources have revealed that Apple will be shipping its much anticipated tablet in March. They confirmed that the tablet will be introduced later this month while reiterating previously speculation that its touchscreen will be approximately 10-11 inches in size and it will carry a price tag of approximately $1000.
“Looking to build on the momentum of its iPhone and iPod, Apple Inc. will unveil a new multimedia tablet device later this month, but isn’t planning to ship the product until March…”
The report went on to suggest that there may be “two different material finishes” for the tablet.
Meanwhile AllThingsD reported that its sources expected the product to be introduced at an event in San Francisco on Wednesday, January 27th. Previously it had been rumored that the announcement would occur on Tuesday, January 26th.
“Sources in a position to know tell me Apple (AAPL) is indeed planning a media event later this month at which the company will announce a major new product. The gathering is to be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, a space Apple often uses for media events like this.”
Separately, the French site Mac4Ever stated that the beta of the iPhone OS 4 SDK includes a “simulator” for reformatting and scaling applications to new tablet-sized screens, further collaborating the impending release of the tablet and suggesting portability of applications between iPhones and iSlates.
Tagged with: $1000 • finishes • price • shipping • size
Dec 28
According to Digitimes sources from Apple’s component suppliers report Innolux will be the initial supplier of panels for Apple’s tablet while Wintek may have the opportunity to become an additional supplier in the future. Innolux is a subsidiary of Foxconn Group.
Additionally, sources reports that unsatisfactory strength in the glass of the panel had resulted in a delay to the launch of the tablet.
“Foxconn’s optical glass processing subsidiary G-Tech Optoelectronics will provide a glass strengthening process for the device….”
It is expected that the tablet manufacturer will be Foxconn Electronics.
Tagged with: Foxconn • glass strength • Innolux • setbacks
Dec 26
The latest from Apple Insider suggests that Apple has a patent that they could use on their rumored tablet to create a subtle form of a keyboard. This patent provides for a multitouch tactile keyboard by using an articulating frame to raise bumps on the otherwise flat surface; this in turn facilitates typing without keys. Such an application would certainly be a new feature that would differentiate Apple’s product from competitors.
Tagged with: bumps • keyboard • tactile
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