Tag: apple

iOS 9’s ‘Low Power Mode’ to Reduce iPhone’s Performance by 40%

While iPhone users have a lot to boast about, battery life of their smartphones is not something that is easily discussed. Apple acknowledged the problem, and at WWDC this year, it was one of the most important issues addressed. At the event, we learned that iOS 9 would feature a “low power mode” that would extend the battery life upto three hours. The mode will allow for devices to reduce power consumption and restrict to only phone call capability.

Now, a new report has revealed that the mode will reduce the performance of the iPhone in exchange for improving the battery life.

The guys at MacRumors ran a benchmark test on iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5s to test the device’s processor power. They discovered that the single and multi-core scores for the processors dropped by 40% when iOS 9’s “Low Power Mode” was turned on.

When turned on, the mode reduces the CPU speed, which results in the shutting down of background activities like mail fetch, background app refresh, motion effects and brightness. Nothing has been mentioned about activities such as browsing web, making calls after iOS 9 activates the energy saving mode.

Source : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.macrumors.com/2015/06/25/ios-9-low-power-mode-benchmarks/”]MacRumors [/tw-button]

June 27, 2015
Details About Upcoming Apple Products Revealed by El Capitan’s Beta Version

A new beta version of OS X El Capitan has revealed a new line of Apple products. According to a report, the beta version references for future products include a 21.5-inch 4K Retina display and a Bluetooth remote control.

Source: 9To5Mac.com

Apple introduced the 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display last year. It is only logical that if Apple wants to introduce a smaller version of Retina display with 4K resolution, it would upgrade the 21.5 inch Mac for it. The new beta version references Mac support for Apple-made display panel with a 4096 x 2304 resolution.

A new Intel graphics chipset, Iris Pro 600 was referenced in the El Capitan beta version. Along with that, four new AMD Radeon processors – M380, M390, M395 and M395X – were mentioned. It is possible that these chipsets would power the 4K iMac and the new models.

Source: 9To5Mac

A new file inside El Capitan has revealed the possibility of a Bluetooth Remote Control being developed at Apple. The report says that ” this new piece of hardware integrates a dedicated Bluetooth wireless chip, can connect with devices via an infrared sensor, and includes a Multi-Touch trackpad with inertial scrolling support”. The device also seems to support audio, which means it could be integrated with Siri.

The report suggests that the new remote could be a part of an upcoming revamped Apple TV. However, there is no mention of Apple TV and the file doesn’t exist in public versions of OS X and OS X Yosemite Beta release.

June 26, 2015
Apple Plans to Include a Dual-Lens Camera in the iPhone 7 : Report

Apple is famously known for the strict quality measures it employs in all of its products, thanks to the company’s late co-founder Steve Jobs’ desire for top-notch products. Despite all the fun Samsung may make of Apple, one thing it cannot make fun of is the camera quality of the iPhone. The camera is recognized for capturing professional-like photographs and has even been employed as the main camera in some films.

So, how do you improve a cell phone camera famous for being close to a professional camera? By adding another lens. Recently, a report has emerged from Taiwan which claims that Apple is planning to include a dual-lens front camera in the iPhone 7. No, we’re not talking about the iPhone 6s, which is expected to be out in September. The iPhone 7 will be revealed next year, in 2016.

Apple reportedly faced problems, such as blurred images and other performance issues, while testing the dual-lens camera system. It seems the company has found solution with the help of LinX Imaging, an Israeli company specialising in camera-technology, which was bought by Apple in April this year.

The report also mentions that Apple faced manufacturing problems regarding dual-lens camera, which have been solved in a deal with Largan, one of the major suppliers of camera lens modules for smartphones and tablets. Apple has recently placed more orders for the same lens with Largan. It seems that Largan may manufacture the lens required for the iPhone 7.

HTC was the first company to introduce the dual-lens system in the One M8, which received mixed reception from the users. If the report is true, then iPhone 7 may turn out to be a game-changer by setting the standard higher for cameras in smartphones.

June 26, 2015
Watch Samsung Take a Dig at Apple in its Latest Galaxy S6 Ad

It seems Samsung will never be tired of poking fun at Apple, whether it is live streaming, bigger displays, or suggesting iPhone users are gradually become “wall-huggers”. In a latest ad to promote the new Galaxy S6, Samsung understands the frustrations a user goes through when the charger has to be untangled to charge a phone.

The ad makes note of the lengths people will go through to connect their phones to a white cable. And as seen in one frame, a bundle of white wires. Samsung points out that they are the source of head-banging, back-ache and anger issues. Then, it shows its wireless charger, which makes the ordinary task of charging a phone, well, ordinary.

So how does Apple figure in this ad? The white cables represent the white charger that comes with every Apple product. To make the point more clear, one frame shows a woman frustratingly trying to connect her phone to a deck.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge have buit-in wireless charging. Samsung may have made fun of Apple users, but S6 users will also have to take their charger everywhere they go.

After watching the ad, Taylor Swift will probably write an open letter, asking Apple to include wireless charging in the next iPhone.

June 26, 2015
Report: Apple’s Next iPhone to be Available for Purchase on 23rd September

This is good news for Apple fans everywhere. If rumours are to be believed, the upcoming iPhone 6s will be available in stores from 25th September this year, according to MobileNews. In an amusing chain of events, Vodafone began sending out “Save the Date” e-mails to its staff and accidentally leaked the release date of Apple’s next flagship.

Surprisingly, there was no name mentioned about the next iPhone; it was simply being referred to as the ‘new iPhone’. According to the source, pre-orders will start from 18th September and it will go live physically on 25th September.

Even before this was leaked, we were somewhat optimistic that the iPhone 6s would be released in September. We’re guessing Apple decided to stick to its long standing tradition, as the last three flagships were released in September, in their respective years.

It is highly unlikely that Apple will be going for a significant design change for the new upcoming iPhone, since it went through a major make-over in its last release. Recently, it was also revealed that the next iPhone will include Force Touch and a new casing – making the iPhone 6s wider, taller and stronger.

Click here to read more about the iPhone 6s.

June 25, 2015
Another Useful Hidden Feature of iOS 9 Discovered

At this year’s WWDC, Apple made a string of announcements about its future. Especially Apple iOS 9 was seen to be a major overhaul. The company showed off the software’s multitasking feature, low power mode and Siri’s Proactive mode. However, Apple didn’t disclose many fresh apps and exciting features, which make its OS all the more seamless.

According to a new report, iOS 9 can delete apps temporarily to accommodate software updates. If the operating system is short of storage, it will prompt the user to temporarily delete the apps before installing the updates. After updates have been installed, iOS 9 will automatically re-install those apps.

https://twitter.com/Kaleb_Butt/status/613403921512411136/photo/1

The feature was discovered by developers who installed the new beta version of iOS 9, as per a report by 9to5Mac. According to the report, the data will remain intact.

One of the main criticisms of iOS 8 was the amount of exorbitant space it took for installing updates. To make up for it, Apple announced at 2015 WWDC that the new iOS would only require only 1.35 GB of space, a huge improvement from iOS 8, which used 5.5 GB. The announcement was a relief to the iPhone users who use the 16 GB variant.

With iOS 9, Apple is making efforts to utilize the storage space. At WWDC, Apple mentioned that developers will be able to “thin” their apps, freeing up more storage for media and other content.

June 24, 2015
Rumours Suggest, Apple Plans to Remove the Home Button on its iPhone

Apple is reportedly working on an iPhone design that will remove the iconic home button. A recent post on the website, AppleInsider, claims that the company is planning to replace the home button with a virtual one. The website also claims that the redesign wouldn’t take place for at least two years and may not be seen in the next version of the iPhone.

Apple has made Touch ID, its fingerprint recognition feature, available on every device launched since iPhone 5s. The company has integrated Touch ID onto many of its services and is developing more uses for it. As a result, it will not ditch the feature in favour of a virtual home button, just yet.

To make the virtual home button possible, Apple is working on integrating Touch ID into the iPhone’s display. According to AppleInsider, patents have been filed which would allow people to scan their fingerprints on the display itself. If the company is successful in integrating Touch ID onto the display, the home button could be replaced by an on-screen button. Until then, Apple’s plan of having a virtual home button remains long-term.

June 23, 2015
Apple is Already Prepping Apple Watch 2; Here’s What We Know

It’s been just two months since the arrival of Apple’s luxury wearable and the tech firm is already developing its successor. Yes, following the massive success of Apple Watch, the Cupertino-based organization is reportedly building its next-gen model, the Apple Watch 2. Sources close to Apple disclosed its plans of launching an improved iWatch version, which is said to reduce the dependence of the wearable on iPhone.

If we go by the revelations made by 9to5mac, the next Apple Watch will sport a camera on top of the watch bezel, to provide users with the facility of video calling. Watch owners can make or receive FaceTime calls while on the go, and there is no need to slip an extra gadget in your pocket. The inclusion seems rational as the company laid the ground for audio assimilation with watchOS 2.0, launched at their annual developer’s conference. A camera on the smartwatch is not a first, as Samsung has already incorporated on the Galaxy Gear.

As we said earlier, the second-gen Apple Watch will have minimal dependency on the iPhone, and will be able to perform maximum functions solely. Replacing the currently embedded Wi-Fi, a chip with the potential to locate a user’s location will be installed. Things like ordinary conversation can take place with the integration of a dynamic wireless chipset, but substantial actions such as software updates, media files synchronization, and few more will indeed require an iPhone.

The battery is what’s likely to remain unchanged in the next Apple Watch. The battery of first-gen watch has received positive reviews, and since customers are happy with its fuelling power, Apple aims to devote attention to other features.

It is also learnt from the same source that Apple might add new more options within the price range of $1,000 and $10,000. More options means more colour variants. Apple is speculated to consider the following colour options for the Watch – titanium, platinum tungsten, and palladium.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_blank” link=”http://9to5mac.com/2015/06/18/apple-watch-2-camera-tetherless/”]Source[/tw-button]

June 19, 2015
After the iPhone, the Apple Watch Might Soon be “Assembled in India”

Narendra Modi’s Make in India campaign is growing at a steady pace. After companies like Celkon, one of the leading cell phone players and Mercedes-Benz have set up their manufacturing plants on Indian soil, Taiwan’s Quanta Computer Inc has commented saying that they are considering establishing their manufacturing plant in India. Quanta Computer Inc is one of the top laptop makers and assembly plant of Apple’s high-tech Apple Watch.

Quanta Vice President, C.C. Leung, said that the senior officials are gathering materials for evaluation and are considering the idea.

After Foxconn, Quanta is the largest maker of iPhones and iPads for Apple. Foxconn Technology, which is one of the world’s largest contract manufacturers of electric products, is trying to develop 10-12 facilities in India, including factories by 2020. The Taiwan-based tech giant said that the company is in talks to manufacture Apple iPhones in India. The move would help Foxconn decrease stimulating labour costs in China, possibly lower prices for iPhones sold in India and transfer the site of the manufacturing assembly closer to its buyers in the world’s third-largest smartphone market.

Quanta Inc has no present investment plans for now. Leung is examining several considerations like transportation convenience and access to ports in India. But, we hope for the best, as the initiative looks promising. It is understandable that many more companies will join in soon; creating job opportunities and improving the overall economic well-being of the masses.

‘Make in India’ is an initiative that was started back in September 2014 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The primary objective of this initiative is to create manufacturing firms within India to create more job opportunities and enhance the skills of the people of India across different sectors like automobile, aviation, biotechnology, defence manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, ports, railways, textile and much more. With this initiative, the Government of India hopes to bring in high-quality standards and minimise the impact on the environment.

You can also follow Make in India YouTube campaign here.

June 19, 2015
Force Touch and New Casing Material to Make iPhone 6s Wider, Taller, Stronger

Earlier this year, Apple’s next-generation iPhone was reported to come with the ‘Force Touch’ feature, which made a debut with the Apple Watch and the new 13-inch MacBook. The inclusion was widely expected and now, a new report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has affirmed its existence stating that the enforcement of Force Touch on iPhone 6s might even add to the thickness of the device.

Force Touch is a brainy touch feature which senses the level of force applied on the screen. It uses tiny electrodes around the flexible Retina display to distinguish between a light tap and a deep press, which trigger instant access to a range of contextually specific controls. This feature adds the possibility of embedding more gestures onto the device.

Kuo argued that Force Touch will lead to the forthcoming iDevice (tentatively titled iPhone 6s) being wider, taller, and thicker. It is speculated to increase the dimensions of the phone by 0.15 millimetres crosswise as well as in length, and 0.2mm in thickness.

As per Kuo, Apple will employ Series 7000 Aluminium, introduced with Apple Watch, on the next-generation iPhones. The custom metal is 60 percent stronger than the regular aluminium and has just one-third the density of stainless steel.

Along with presenting fact about the redesigned casing material, Ming-Chi reiterates that the iPhone 6s will be coming in a rose gold colour option. He also believes that few more colour options available with the phone will be yellow gold and dark space grey.

June 19, 2015
Apple to Use Better Battery Tech in its Upcoming iPhone 6s

Post the launch of iPhone 6 and its bigger sibling, Apple fans have awaited the release of the improved iPhone 6s. The handset is speculated to bring major changes including an upgraded RAM, enhanced 12MP camera and the newly introduced Force Touch. Although the innards have been beefed up, the tech giant continues to push the envelope by making slimmer smartphones. Going by this approach, the upcoming addition to iPhone 6 series will be thinner than the previously launched iterations.

Now we hear that a battery breakthrough that failed to attain the much-deserved hype at the previous Apple Event will fuel the next iPhone, making it last long between two subsequent charges. The innovative battery was patented by Apple in 2012, but came into practice in 2015 with MacBook.

The next-gen battery goes beyond the barrier of the conventional rectangular slab type and can take any shape. This battery consists of thin electrode sheets stacked on one another. These electrodes are cells of different sizes and are installed in the specific contours of the enclosure. This way, developers would be able to utilize the reserved battery space to embed an LTE chip.

This arrangement gives 35 percent more battery cell capacity, using every single millimeter of space available in the enclosure. The technology is currently powering the super-slender 13-inch MacBook that has been engineered to give 9 hours of standby on web browsing and up to 10 hours on iTunes Movie Playback. By incorporating the same battery technology, the Apple iPhone 6s is expected to provide better battery cycles.

With the redesigned batteries rooted in iPhone 6s and the 6s Plus, the future products will be slimmer than the latest model with 6.9mm thickness. More reported specifications of the device include a 2GB RAM and a 12MP dual-lens camera. A new design using an improved casing material is expected on the handset. One more microphone is said to be added near the new handset’s speakers in an attempt to improve sound quality.

As every year, Apple’s upcoming flagships would be released in the month of September.

June 18, 2015
10 Hidden iOS 9 Features That are Sure to Make iPhones Way Smarter

Apple iOS 9, announced at WWDC, was seen to be a major overhaul. The company showed off the software’s multitasking feature, low power mode and Siri’s Proactive mode. However, Apple didn’t disclose many fresh apps and exciting features, which make its OS all the more seamless, bridging the gap between the two major operating systems – Android and iOS. Apple has borrowed many features from Android, along with incorporating many firsts.

A few of you may not agree with us if you go by the announcements made at the launch, but there’s lots more. We have listed some of the hidden features that prove iOS 9 is a cut above the previous iterations.

1. Universal App Search

We are sure you’re going to love this. The newest iOS 9 accommodates a Search bar on top of Settings, allowing you to search any app within the menu. The Settings option is better than ever, enabling you to pick any specific app from the mess just by typing its initials or the full name. For example, if you type ‘Battery’, the Battery feature will appear in front, hiding all in the background. You can tap on it, and its settings will come up, allowing you to make a choice.

2. Tweaked Shift Key

This one was on Android since long, but Apple has incorporated it now with iOS 9. Pressing the shift key allows you to switch between upper case and lower case, rather than only the shift key changing colour and characters not swapping to lower case. We soon won’t need to remember which colour was for caps.

3. Your Keyboard Now Acts as a Trackpad

Even Android disciples will shift their loyalty to Apple after hearing this; well, some might. Earlier limited to iPad, this feature has now landed on the iPhone as well. Drop two fingers onto the keyboard of your iPhone to make a selection, edit and shift text from one place to another. The keypad becomes your trackpad, increasing the productivity of your phone. The feature first debuted on iPad.

4. Swipe to Select Multiple Photos

Ok. Selecting multiple photos on iPhone’s preceding OS iterations was a pain. The company has altered the tedious approach, and the new operating system comes with multiple photo selection support, allowing you to use your finger as a cursor. Widen the cursor to increase the selection area and mass-pictures will be selected as per requirement. No need to tap one-by-one to delete bulk pictures now. Just swipe to choose and dump them in the bin or on cloud.

Along with this, the Photo app features a ‘scrubber’ beneath, enabling you to flip quickly through the images secured in the camera roll.

5. “Back to Search/App” Shortcut

Apple has taken modification real serious this time. Emphasizing on cultivating the already built, iOS 9 includes a ‘Back to Search’ or ‘Back to App’ option that directs you straight to Spotlight without the need of pressing a back button repeatedly. Swipe down on the Home screen, search for content on Spotlight and once you’re done, press ‘Back to Search’ on the top left to reach the main screen.

6. Customizable Side Switch

iOS 9 gives you the option to use side switch for locking rotation of the display or to mute the phone. This option has been available on iPad. Unfortunately, you can choose between the two only.

7. 6-Digit Passcode Option

In an attempt to increase the security of the iPhone, a user with iOS 9 installed on their handsets now has the option to extend the password to 6 digits, which was 4 digits in the previous versions. Above is a screenshot establishing the same.

8. Mute Phone

No matter how cool and secure a iPhone is, its inability to go mute has drawn embarrassment to the user at times. iOS 9 resolves the issue by introducing vibration disable button that lets you shut all vibrations on your iPhone in a single go. Under Settings menu, there is an Accessibility option, which when turned off disables all vibrations including earthquake, tsunami and other emergency alerts.

9. Save To and Add from iCloud

Emails are an indispensable part of any smartphone and so is Cloud when it comes to low memory storage. Until now, iPhone users have been using third-party apps to attach files to emails, but now attachments can be added from iCloud Drive in the Mail app. Also, files can be saved on iCloud by long pressing the attachment. A new window with Save Attachment icon will then open, clicking which the file will go to iCloud Drive.

10. Customizable Assistive Touch

Assistive touch is the binding element that draws users back to the main screen from where ever a person is. But since long, we have been viewing the same four options on the main screen of the top level menu in Assistive touch. Now, you don’t need to compromise any longer as iOS 9 is giving you the freedom to customize the Assistive Touch menu. Add 2 or more buttons to the menu list and quickly navigate through the app.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”” target=”_self”]Image Source[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.iphonehacks.com/2015/06/ios-9-hidden-features.html”]iPhone Hacks[/tw-button]

June 18, 2015
How Apple Plans to Take Over India’s Smartphone Market

India has moved straight from the lowermost section of Apple’s priority list to sit right on top. The Cupertino-based firm, which has long snubbed the country for other nations like the US, UK and more, now plans to be the No. 1 smartphone seller in India, next year. According to a report by Business Insider, Apple has signed a partnership agreement with Optiemus Group, based in Delhi, to double its iPhone sales.

Optiemus Group has been a major distributor of Samsung and HTC brand handsets in India. Following this partnership, Optiemus will be distributing iPhones as well, increasing the volume of the iPhones in India. Besides this, Apple is reportedly considering teaming up with other distributors whose distribution network is vast. The company is also considering over appointing a new distributor, which may be either of the four – Redington, Ingram Micro, Rashi Peripherals and Brightstar. Optiemus Group then follows, being the fifth larger dealer.

Apple iPhone 6

The company sold a total of one million iPhones last year in India, and with the aim to double its smartphone sales this year, its goal is 2 million iPhone sales in FY 2015. By tying up better distribution networks, the company may even make India one of the priority countries for launches. Apple Watch, its first smartwatch, is yet to arrive in India.

As per an industry insider –

Since shipment figures are one of the indicators of success in the smart phone industry, any new distributor Apple appoints will lead to an instant surge in shipments, which will help it to achieve the target fixed by headquarters and will also lead to a significant jump in retail reach.

In such circumstances, the company will turn into a threat for Samsung and Micromax, who have been battling each other for the top spot, with minimal complexities. The inclusion of Apple in the game, by giving more choices to customers, will make business tougher for Samsung and Micromax. Although it takes a backseat in the overall Indian smartphone market, Apple is the most valuable smartphone brand in the whole world.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”” target=”_self”]Source[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”red” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.businessinsider.in/Know-about-Apples-new-strategy-to-knock-Samsung-out-of-competition-in-India/articleshow/47673988.cms”]Business Insider[/tw-button]

June 15, 2015
Upcoming Apple Products Likely to be Manufactured in India : Report

Yes, the back panel of your iDevice might shortly read “Assembled in India” as Foxconn, the major contract manufacturer of Apple, is planning to set up an Apple assembly plant in India. Industries Minister of Maharashtra, Subhash Desai remarked that Foxconn will come to scout for a location in India, as reported by Reuters.

The statement by Desai says, “Foxconn is sending a delegation of their officers to scout for locations in a month’s time.” The relocation of Apple assembly store from China to India will first of all aid Foxconn in cutting down the accelerated wage cost, and the lower production cost will help catch up with the mounting demand, which the Cupertino-based firm was failing to match with its supply shortage. The increased production will make the revenue numbers jump, hence, giving a stiff competition to India’s leading smartphone manufacturer Samsung and Micromax.

The world’s biggest Taiwanese electronics producer is said to build up 10-12 facilities in India by 2020, which includes data centres and factories. No confirmation has come from either Foxconn or Apple on the same, and an official statement would be required to authenticate the report.

It’s not the first time Foxconn will operate from India. The tech firm was earlier functioning in India, manufacturing Nokia phones, but as soon as Nokia’s mobile division was acquired by Microsoft last year, Foxconn had to shut shop in India. The return of Foxconn will boost smartphone manufacturing in the country, making it an electronics hub. Simultaneously, it will give a major push to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign of bringing multinational companies to produce goods and services locally in India.

Along with Apple, Foxconn is under contract with Acer, Sony and Xiaomi to manufacture devices for them. If Foxconn comes to India, other brands assembled by the manufacturing company are likely to go cheap as the transportation charges and service tax will be eliminated.

The institution of the Foxconn manufacturing plant in India will establish our country as the biggest producer of technology products, and can also be a threat to Samsung in the high-end product segment, in the future.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”” target=”_self”]Source[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/iphone-maker-foxconn-talks-build-130931349.html”]Reuters[/tw-button]

June 12, 2015
5 Tech Patents that Thankfully Never Worked Out

In the world of technology, there is no space for redundancy. Technology is getting updated time after time since tech fanatics are always carving out the next great gadget. The major number of brains swell up for innovating and creating such devices. Gadgets are continuously upgraded and tweaked, but some do not turn out as planned.

We will see some of the weirdest patents filed by the biggest tech powerhouses today:

Nokia’s Vibrating Tattoos

In 2011, Nokia signed a patent for the first vibrating tattoo. Yes, a vibrating tattoo that alerts users when their phone is ringing. According to the official patent, the apparatus would be able to detect a magnetic field and transfer a ‘percievable stimulus’ to alert its users about an incoming call, text ot dead battery.

But for some people, getting inked for the sake of technology was too much. People said the device plunges into a ‘creepy territory’. In an era of iPhones and Android devices, what would be the cost of unplugging a permanent tattoo?

Nokia never discussed anything about the tattoo including the potential health risks.

Google Background Advertising

Google, in 2012, signed a patent that would enable the search giant to base advertisements on background noise. According to the patents, Google would install sensors on handsets that would detect temperature, humidity, sound, light or air distribution near a device and ads would be served accordingly.

For example, if you are at the gym and make a call, Google will be able to catch the gym machinery in the background and then serve up adverts for home gym equipment. If it is 30 degrees or more outside, Google will throw in adverts for sun cream, air conditioning units or ice creams.

But it raised the question of privacy. People were not pleased with the idea of Google tracking down their location wherever they went. Although from the use and productivity aspect, this patent was quite useless.

Amazon Airbag

Amazon came up with this idea in 2012 for a protective system for mobile phones. The patent describes a system that utilizes a gadget’s built-in gyroscope, camera, accelerometers and other onboard sensors to decide if the device has entered an airborne state. If it has, the technology will release airbags to decrease potential damage – or possibly even alter the trajectory of its fall by firing jets of air.

But this idea gathered much criticism like ‘What’s next, smartphones with built-in parachutes? Or maybe handsets with wings and propellers?’ and ‘From a logistical point of view, the handset would have to be rather big to hide an airbag.’

There has been no track of progress regarding this airbag. Let’s wait and find out!

Microsoft Remote Control Charging Patent

Imagine a situation where you have to pay more for skipping an ad while watching a movie or watching a sporting event and you have to pay extra for accessing the replay. Luckily, this patent did not fly off as imagined by Microsoft when they filed this patent back in 2004. This wasn’t very welcomed by the masses because these charges would be on top of the base price as a way to boost up profits.

Apple Air Jet Keyboard Patent

It isn’t too hard to imagine a flat keyboard without keys- we don’t really look at our fingers when we type, ourselves. But, it’s still a little hard to imagine actually using one. In 2011, Apple patented a unique keyboard design that uses micro-perforations to shoot air at the user’s fingers upon touch, giving tactile feedback to whoever is. One of the biggest objections about virtual keyboards is the lack of tactile feedback, making it much laborious to touch-type at any speed, with much accuracy.

June 11, 2015