Apple patents new camera technology for iPhones that uses a single sensor and multiple camera lenses

There has recently been a spurt in patents relating to the camera technology from Apple hinting that the Cupertino giant may be planning something bigger for the iPhone cameras. Last month, Apple got a patent for a new True Zoom Lens system for the camera. It has also patented Mirror Tilt Actuation to get better quality photos. And now we have another patent filed by Apple for a new camera system mechanism.

A new Apple patent filing published by the US Patent and Trademark Office is titled “System and method for capturing images”. This image capture device will include two or more apertures to admit light from different directions and direct it to an image sensor. The system would use a series of electrically switchable mirrors, movable lenses and other components that will direct light from two or more apertures on to a single image sensor device.

This means that a single image sensor would be sufficient for light coming from two different apertures. Current Apple mobile devices use two cameras, the rear camera and the front-facing one which have been branded as iSight and FaceTime HD respectively in the iPhone 6. The front-facing camera uses a smaller, low resolution sensor compared to the 8MP rear camera due to space constraints. The new invention could mean that only one image sensor would be needed for both the cameras, thus saving precious space.

In the new mechanism, light will enter the device from two opposite directions like in the iphones, and then instead of falling directly on the image sensor after passing through the lenses as it does now, it will be bounced off a series of “machine controlled mirrors”. So the image sensor need not be directly behind the lenses.

The electrically controlled mirrors can switch between reflective and transmission modes when an electric current is applied to them so that they can manipulate light without moving parts. The lens apparatus is also movable to compensate for the difference in distance between the first aperture and the image sensor, and the second aperture and the same image sensor.

This new camera technology will save space and could result in smaller camera modules and consequently sleek devices without the “camera bump” which is obvious in iPhone 6 because of its slimness.

It is not clear if Apple will deploy this new camera technology in its upcoming iPhone.

Apple patents new camera technology for iPhones that uses a single sensor and multiple camera lenses

Apple rumored to launch 3 new iPhone models in 2015

A new rumor suggests that Apple may be preparing to launch three new iPhones this year. Two of them will be the usual “S” models that come with certain enhancements including a bump in the processor, and the third is an additional model that will belong to a new class “C”.

Taiwanese site DigiTimes reports that the Cupertino giant is planning to introduce three new iPhone models this year, the iPhone 6S, the iPhone 6S Plus and a low-end 4-inch iPhone that the industry sources are currently referring to as iPhone 6C.

All the three handsets will feature Low Temperature Poly Silicon (LTPS) panels covered with Corning Gorilla Glass, Touch ID fingerprint recognition and NFC for Apple Pay, all of which are present in the latest iPhone 6 series. Display panels for all the three models will be procured from Japan Display and LG Display, while iPhone 6C panels will also be additionally sourced from Sharp.

Apple had released its low-cost iPhone 5C in 2013. The handset had a plastic body and came in various colors such as pink, green, yellow and white. It was later rumored that Apple would be phasing out its “C” iPhone lineup but that doesn’t seem to be the case however, if rumors are to be believed.

The 6S series of iPhone models will be using A9 chips and the iPhone 6C will use the A8 chip. DigiTimes also reports that Foxconn Electronics and Pegatron will assemble the 6S series devices and the 6C handset will probably be made by Wistron.

It should be kept in mind that DigiTimes has a mixed track record with respect to rumors, though some of its reports in the past have been spot-on. Apple hasn’t said anything about these three new iPhones yet.

Apple rumored to launch 3 new iPhone models in 2015

Augment for iPhones arrives

Augment may be a new case series from Rubix that puts a spin on the normal battery case. Rubix is presently seeking funding on Kickstarter to supply this line of business, however don’t let that get you down. This is often undoubtedly ought to have your hard-earned money if you’d prefer to have the advantages of A battery case, while not all of the majority.

Augment may be a standard charging case for iPhone 5/5s that permits you to snap on a 1,200mAh module after you would like it. The thought is extremely easy, however terribly effective and can add a further 60 % battery life to your iPhone. The Augment Charge module is intended to be sufficiently small to suit in a very coin pocket and take up little or no area once hooked up to the case.

The Augment Charge comes with a small USB charging cable which will additionally charge and correct the iPhone once connected. There’s additionally a tiny low semiconductor diode standing indicator on the facet of the module to assist keep you alert to the remaining power. Augment Charge has additionally received MFI (Made For iPhone) approval from Apple and can continue with the ultimate certification method once the project meets its funding goal.

Over the past week, we’ve had the chance to check the Augment series and see what it all is concerning. Check up on the video summary below for an in depth initial look.


As way because the case goes, I’m an enormous fan of its style. This can be positively completely different than the other case I’ve seen and also the extra charging practicality makes it a winner in my book. The external of the case is roofed with sturdy TPU, whereas the within contains a polycarbonate shell to feature reinforcement. Each the charge module and case square measure in black, blue, and red in the market.

Presently, there are 2 products during this line-up that make the Augment standard system: Augment Case and Augment Charge. As a result of these 2 separate products, they’ll be assimilated one by one or as a set through pledges on Kickstarter.

Rubix has conjointly informed us that a dock is additionally being created to figure with the Augment case. Presently, the dock system is nothing quite an inspiration, however the corporate plans to bring it to life at some extra point the initial Kickstater goal has been reached. Besides that, we’ve conjointly been told that Rubix has idea to cultivate an Augment case for Apple’s next generation iPhone once it’s been released.

The Kickstarter campaign may be a very little over twenty five % funded and therefore the product pledges have a calculable delivery between August and July of this year. If you’d desire to get in on the action, there are a couple of “early bird” offers, one amongst which is capable to get you an Augment Case and Charge in colours of your selection for under $45. If you’d prefer to determine additional, head over to Augment’s Kickstarter Page here.

Augment for iPhones arrives