It looks Apple’s iDevices could someday become self-aware. Okay, so maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but a patent application published today by the USPTO does highlight Apple’s patent plans for the ability to bake “situational awareness” into their products.

So what exactly does this mean? The idea is that your iPhone or iPad could perform situation tasks based “on different conditions”. The patent was filed in September of 2011 and lays out the technology for mobile phones, media players and more.

Using embedded sensors, an Apple device could detect external noises, temperatures, lighting conditions, time of day and more, using that data to react appropriately. Going to bed? Your device could automatically lower the ring volume or perhaps even go into vibrate mode without any direct input from the user.

“The present invention relates to an intuitive portable electronic device that anticipates or predicts a user’s desires on how they would like use the portable electronic device,” reads the patent filing. “The portable electronic device is therefore ready to perform a user function when the user desires to perform the function. The user does not have to perform additional steps such as selecting menu options in a GUI or activating a button or switch.”

More than likely such a device would also get to “know you”, figuring out your habits, likes and dislikes and then would use that information to make ‘decisions’ on its own on how to best serve you.

Does this patent mean we will see this technology in a future iProduct? It is certainly possible, but sometimes these kinds of patents are more about protecting potential ideas from being stolen and never actually surface beyond the conceptual stages.

Still, if Apple makes this a reality, this could be one small step in the direction of truly “thought-capable” AI. Ipad control for robots today, world domination tomorrow.

What do you think of the patent, would you like to see something like this in future electronic devices or not? Share your thoughts below.

[ source ]

The post Apple Patent Filing Suggests Future iDevices May Think for Themselves appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

We’ve seen quite a few game controllers for iOS and Android over the years, but the FlipSide certainly looks a bit different from what we are accustomed to.

Justice Frangipane’s team is looking to put together a unique design that uses Bluetooth 4.0 and is clipped to the back for regular everyday tasks but easy attaches to the front when you are ready to enter into a gaming session.

The design is different, but that’s not what truly makes us interested in this Kickstarter project. The FlipSide utilizes a solar cell and thin film battery that is said to keep the case powered up and ready to go, even with indoor lighting. With so many accessories needing an outlet for charging, this is a nice change.

As mentioned, this is a Kickstarter project so there are no guarantees it will ever see the light of day. That said, this seems to have both the support of iDevices (of iGrill fame) and Apple, so it is more than likely going to end up making it past the prototype stages and into “real product” territory sometime in the not too distant future. There is also an Android version in the works. For more information, hit the source link.

What do you think, would you be interested in getting your hands on the FlipSide or not?

[ source ]

The post Flipside iPhone Case Uses Solar Power for Charging appeared first on Mobile Magazine.