The only Apple news worth reading…

Apple applied for a patent on a method to differentiate between authorized and unauthorized users of a particular iOS device.  If an unauthorized user is detected, the device can automatically disable specific features.

From Ars Technica:

The patent, titled “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” describes several ways a device could sense who is using an iPhone or iPad. Among the methods considered are voice print analysis, photo analysis, heartbeat analysis (!), hacking attempts, or even “noting particular activities that can indicate suspicious behavior.” Read more

From Patently Apple:

A new patent application from Apple has surfaced this morning that reveals some rather interesting concepts involving the use of both invisible and light-forming device controls. The good news is that it’s not theory. The technology, in-part, is being utilized in Apple’s new Magic Mouse. The no-button Mouse is what this patent is all about – and yet Apple takes us to the next level of where this could be going. We could eventually see this technology apply to future iPods, the Apple TV remote and perhaps more importantly, next generation MacBooks – where it really gets interesting.

The Visible or Invisible Button Concept Overview

Apple’s patent FIG. 1 shown below presents us with a generic electronic device 10. Device 10 could be, for example, a laptop computer, a media device, a remote control, a game player, or any other device that requires a button or switch.

Device 10 features an invisible button or switch 20, whose location is shown in phantom (the square in dotted lines). Button 20 is used to control some function associated with electronic device 10. The device has a metal frame (30), which may be, for example, be aluminum. Button 20 is invisible because it is made from and integral with the same metal as the frame. The button is flush with and does not bulge out or otherwise protrude into or out of the frame. Therefore, it is not visible from the exterior of the device. The frame may have markings (e.g., paint, texture) to indicate the location of the button in some instances.

It looks like Apple’s iTunes “Concert Ticket +” system is going to become a reality very soon. Patently Apple has given more details on how this new service is going to work.  This sounds very cool, and I hope it destroys the evil Ticketmaster!

From Patently Apple:

There’s no missing the point that Apple wants to enter the electronic concert and event ticket business via a new application and system simply called “Concert Ticket +.” The system that is laid out in this extraordinarily detailed patent, points to a new iTunes based web service for tickets that will naturally enhance the iTunes music empire. Apple definitely envisions a way to revolutionize the entire current concert ticket process so as to eliminate paper while enhancing the concert or event experience. Today’s patent reviews the basics of this new system as well as review the benefits of such a system which could include the concert goer receiving such things as a live recording of the concert they just attended or access to exclusive artist interviews or refreshments. Surprisingly, the patent goes far beyond concerts as well - so as to cover sporting events, amusement park admissions and rides (think Disney), a wedding invitation system and a lot more. In fact, one of the events that the report covers includes Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference 2010.

From AppleInsider:

A new Apple patent application revealed this week describes technology that would allow an external light source, like the sun, to provide the backlight for a display, helping to conserve battery life.

The application revealed this week, entitled “External Light Illumination of Display Screens,” notes that current LCD displays can be difficult to view when outdoors in direct sunlight. In addition, it said, it often takes high-powered components to properly light the display. The patent describes a way for a portable computer, like a MacBook, to collect external light to illuminate the computer screen.

One described method would employ a “light harness,” which would serve as a collector of light that would then be displayed onto the screen. This could be done by having the harness reflect light toward the back of the display panel.

In addition to the sun, external light could come from a variety of sources, including an accessory light bulb that could be a part of the mobile computer. The application also mentions such a device could be used in a vehicle, with the screen illuminated by a light inside a car.

The system could also include internal LED light sources that could be used in conjunction with the external light source, if there is not enough light available to properly see the screen.

“The internal light sources may also increase the power consumption of the electronic device,” the application reads. “Therefore, a manifold or other light harness may be used along one or more edges of the display screen in conjunction with or as an alternative to the internal light sources to provide illumination to the display screen by emitting light channeled from an external light source across the display screen.”