Is Apple working on a MacBook with an invisible keyboard?
Apple’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops are already thin and seriously slick pieces of kit. But imagine if they had an invisible trackpad, one that completely merged into the surface. Or even an invisible keyboard that only lit up when needed? It could be happening.
As AppleInsider spotted, Apple has been granted a patent on an interesting new bit of tech in the US this week: “microperforation illumination”. The idea is surprisingly simple: tiny little holes in a surface which let light through, but aren’t visible except from up close.
It’s a little bit like the glowing charger lights on the side of existing MacBooks, which glow to show how much battery is left, but much more sophisticated. Apple’s patent outlines how the intensity of light can vary, and even how it could be used with touch sensitive controls.
It’s this last one that’s got us really excited: this could lead to a MacBook with a trackpad that forms a smooth part of the case, and that glows gently to reveal its area. Or why not a whole invisible keyboard? It’s not hard to imagine Apple using something like this for the home button on future iPhones and iPads either.
Of course, Apple patenting a technology doesn’t mean it ever will, but it’s an exciting idea nonetheless. Let us know what you make of it in the comments below.
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Oliver06 November 2012
It is a well documented fact that Apple files patents for technology it had no intention of producing to gain leverage over it's competitors. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/08/technology/patent-wars-among-tech-giants-can-stifle-competition.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 A technique which clearly stiffles innovation. That said, I like the tactile keyback of a tradional keyboard.
Report as inappropriateeddie06 November 2012
I would like to more use mob video cam to use communicated and for deaf use video call.and so all mob phone video call must be free call. either use call friends and emergency call.too while what use video call more often to be use today so on future too.
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sambo1207 November 2012
This would be quite cool to see. my not be every ones cup of tea, but that teck is cool
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Summer07 February 2013
If there making a mac book with an invisible keyboard, then why not just get an i pad that could the keyboard could pop up anytime
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