New Apple Patent Findings Reveal Heated, Wireless Stylus Concept for iOS Devices
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Apple has been seemingly reluctant to introduce an Apple branded stylus for use with iOS devices, leaving us to the mercy of thick and clunky third party brands. However, according to filings discovered by AppleInsider, we may be seeing an Apple designed stylus at some point.
The concept is a heated stylus, which will allow for precise interaction with iOS devices, without actually needing to touch the device with the stylus.
In the filings, the stylus is shown with a pointed tip, a feature that has thus far been impossible for third party stylus manufacturers to create. Currently, capacitive styli for the iPad and iPhone need to have a large tip because the touchscreen works by detecting two different points on the screen.
This new stylus from Apple appears to have a smaller, conductive tip that might be heated for a better connection with the capacitive sensors in an iOS device. The stylus would include a rechargeable battery, and AppleInsider speculates that the battery may be recharged through a docking station built into the iOS device. Such a stylus would be a welcome accessory, as it would allow a much finer tip and greater control when writing on an iOS screen.
Douglas Weber, an Apple engineer, reveals that the stylus could be heated in several ways, including a battery powered heating element, a heat sink that transfers heat from the user’s hand, or a fluid-based heating element.
The filings also include a description of a stylus that has a position sensing device, like an accelerometer, for transmitting position data, and a receiver. According to Apple engineer Aleksandar Pance, the combination of those elements would produce a stylus that could enter data onto an iOS touchscreen without actually touching it. The stylus also has the potential to be used from a distance, such as across a room.
Don’t get too excited about these newly discovered stylus patents. They weren’t filed recently. In fact, they were filed back on January 6th, 2010, before the introduction of the first generation iPad. However, these patents do indicate that Apple is and has been considering the creation of a stylus for iOS devices, so it is something that we may see in the future.
[via AppleInsider]
