Apple could soon be bringing some innovative technology your way via its impending line-up of iDevices, which include the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPad mini 2 and iPad 5. Apple has been granted a new patent which hints at smarter control features for future iDevices.
A new Apple patent reveals that the company, which is synonymous with iconic devices, intends on building "electronic devices housing as acoustic input device." This technology will apparently let users manipulate their mobile devices via user inputs, which basically means that simple gestures like tapping, scratches or other noises will help in controlling the future iDevices.
According to an Apple Insider report "Apple's U.S. Patent No. 8,441,790 for an 'Electronic device housing as acoustic input device' describes a system in which user input, such as taps, scratches or other noises, are picked up by acoustic transducers or microphones integrated into a device's chassis. These sounds are then processed, with corresponding actions resulting from comparison with predefined waveform data."
Basically, the iDevices will be able to process sound inputs, which are transmitted through the casing and will then translate them into functions.
"The interpretation maybe based on the type of input, nature of the input, the location of the contact on the housing, the amplitude of input, as well as other various other factors," eads the patent filing. "A scratch may be interpreted differently from a tap. A tap on the housing near an output or input device may actuate the device whereas a tap on another surface of the housing may be interpreted as a keystroke."
To illustrate, if the technology is deployed in the iPhone 6, a user will be able to turn up or turn down the volume by simply sliding a finger at the back of the device. A previous Apple patent envisions the upcoming smartphone with a wraparound display and control keys located at the front and rear of the smartphone.
As far as the iPad mini 2 and iPad 5 are concerned, the patent seems to suggest that the tablets' camera and audio functions could be activated via taps on pre-defined locations on the frame or screen of the device. As for the iPhone 5S, imagine softly thumping on the smartphone during an incoming call to receive, reject or mute the call. Per the patent, the device's reaction in a specific situation will be pre-programmed.
It remains to be seen if Apple eventually implements this technology (and some previously patented ones) in the impending iPhone 6, iPhone 5S, iPad mini 2 and iPad 5.
