New Apple Patent unveals “Blank” iPod/Tablet Concept

Hrmpf has just posted some extremely interesting information regarding the latest patent  application from Apple.

Basically the application proposes that you can take a “blank” device like an iPod or tablet, and lay accessories over it to fit the needs of whatever it is your doing.  A DJ mixer for example, or a phone.

From the article:

Apple has just filed a new patent application for the adding of physical controls (like buttons or sliders etc) to the touch sensitive surfaces of electronic devices. Apple seems to propose that you take a ‘blank’ iPod and add a wheel for a standard iPod, add a keypad to make it a phone – add a joystick to make it a game machine. The overlays are identified by the computer/device and it reacts accordingly. Imagine adding a nice volume control to your iPod. The ‘blank’ iPod can be made into a PDA, cell phone, game machine, handtop or remote control.

Personally, I’m not sure how much I really like this idea, but I do see where this could be a very important concept, especially for an ultra-portable.  I’m sure the accessories companies would love to be able to create niche add-on devices for an ultra-portable Mac tablet that would allow users with specific needs to use interfaces that helped increase their productivity.

It’s important to mention that the patent application in no way guarantees that this will ever see the light of day from Apple…but you never know.  I’m sure some will speculate that this is how the “true video iPod” will be.   “It’ll be BLANK!  We’ll be able to make in into an iPhone too!”…but I doubt that.

Still, this is a very interesting concept, with several practical applications, and it will be interesting to see if it is incorporated into Apple devices in the future.