Apple patent changes security based on location

One of Apple’s latest patent applications that just hit the USPTO describes a contextually-awared security solution, which automatically alters the security settings of a given mobile device.

The patent application is coming with a location-based functionality, which modifies certain security levels of your phone in accordance with your current whereabouts and their overall security.Besides using GPS module, the solution also uses location information from nearby Wi-Fi and carrier networks.

For example,if your device discovers that you have just terminated your morning commute and are about to begin work, it can configure your iPhone to unlock with the support of Touch ID. Moreover, if Apple’s service checks out that you are about to enter your home, which is generally secure enough, it will request you to key in your 4-digit unlock code. The patent application also help users in determining which location is safe and which is not, thus estimating what kind of security should be employed at required location.

Modify

Apart from changing the security levels, patent solution can also alter various configuration settings and profiles of user’s mobile device, providing them with different location-based workstations. For example,if it senses that you are in your car, it will lower down the security constraints, thus allowing you to access your navigation, music or Apple’s CarPlay dashboard system effortless.

What can you make out from this Apple patent application? Do you believe that it might turn out to be extremely useful or it is just another attention-grabber? Share your opinions below!

Apple patent changes security based on location

Apple May Come Up with a New Phone featuring Flexible Display with an Integrated Solar Panel

Right now solar power is one of the sustainable sources to overcome the increasing power needs, especially power needs while you are on move. Already many large corporations are using solar power to an extent to fuel their datacenters. It’s been spoken for quite some time now about the possibilities of powering our personal gadgets using solar energy, but nothing has really come up yet. There are solar powered calculators and keyboards exist but that are less power consuming devices, how about a power hungry iPhone? How would it feel if you get to keep your iPhone charged all day long without connecting to power socket? Yeah, it would be great and it looks the moment might be just around the corner.

Apple is trying to make a touch based smartphone with an integrated solar panel right in it. A newly updated patent is evidence that Apple is hard at work to make the next big move.

U.S. Patent No. 8,730,179 is for an “Integrated touch sensor and solar assembly.” Apple now has the patent that would let it to integrate a solar panel underneath iPhone’s or any smarthphone’s touch screen. It’s such an impressive piece of technology and most of us might have not even given a thought about such an idea. The fact is that Apple has got a patent for it.

The Patent Abstract

“Integrated touch sensor and solar panel stack-up configurations that may be used on portable devices, particularly handheld portable devices such as a media player or phone are disclosed. The solar cell stack-up configurations may include one or more touch sensor layers and one or more solar cell layers. By integrating both the touch sensors and the solar cell layers into the same stack-up, surface area on the portable device may be conserved. The solar panel may be mounted face down or otherwise obstructed by a touch sensor or other component. In this configuration, the device may include light channels that allow light into the device and direct the light around the component and to the solar panel. A parabolic reflector may be used to direct the light.”

Hearing that, we already thinking what a solar powered iPhone 6 would be able to do in your hands. The patent illustrates a solar panel resided below not just a touch screen but also a flexible display. Yeah, that would be jaw dropping stuff.

Patent for a touch screen with integrated solar panel was originally filed back in 2008; however the original patent’s updated revision was awarded last Tuesday May 20, 2014. Now Apple can make such a thing a reality without any fear of anyone coming up with an obscure patent and demand for a millions of dollars and that would be no barrier anymore for them to try.

The patent does not guarantee anything and there may not be any such product in near future. Said that, let’s take a moment to think about the idea that might set us free from relying of power outlets to charger our smartphones very often in the future. At least, when there is sunlight.

Apple May Come Up with a New Phone featuring Flexible Display with an Integrated Solar Panel

Apple granted patent of positioning displays around sidewalls

After three years on the pending list of patent application, Apple Inc. (AAPL) is finally granted a new patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) titled “Electronic devices with sidewall displays.” It describes a method of positioning OLED or other flexible displays around the sidewalls of a portable device. The filing hints at Apple’s intentions to introduce sidewall displays with virtual buttons in their upcoming iPhones.

The patent calls for at least one sidewall to be fitted with an edge display that is an extension of the main front-facing touchscreen. Interactive or touch sensitive portions of the side displays can be left uncovered, while non-functional portions carrying circuitry may be masked. All sidewall displays may be outfitted with gesture-capable touch elements, further enhancing their capabilities.

“By extending an iPhone’s touchscreen to the edges of the device, users are afforded an expanded input interface that frees up space on the main screen. At the same time, the extra display real estate can be customized to show a variety of interactive virtual controls and features not possible with static physical buttons. 

In some embodiments, the sidewall displays are assigned roles accessible in certain scenarios. For example, a number of app icons may be displayed when a user turns their phone on its side, or scientific functions may appear when a calculator app is in operation. Alternative uses include slide-to-unlock functionality, music player controls, messaging readout, caller ID and system controls, among many more.”

There is still a subject of speculation about integration of patented sidewall display in iPhone 6 by Apple. Companies like LG and Samsung are already using flexible display technology in smartphones, though their designs are more of a novelty than their utility.

Apple granted patent of positioning displays around sidewalls