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November 30, 2006

ipod

Apple’s wireless handheld patent uses real zirconia, not fake diamonds

Posted Nov. 30, ’06, 10:06 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | iPod

Wireless PatentNot to engage in a bit of thunder-stealing from MacUser’s Chief Patentologist, Scott, but we’ve got news on a new patent that’s sure to have iPhone rumormongers in an uprorar—iPhone fishmongers, on the other hand, are going quietly about their business on this Thursday morning.

The patent specifically addresses some technology that would come in useful in a handheld device with wireless capability. Some parts of the device would be constructed from the ceramic zirconia (the cubic form of which is a popular substitute for diamonds) which is besides being a strong and stiff building material is also radio-transparent (radio waves pass through it easily, unlike, say, titanium).

The patent also claims that using ceramic as a structural material in handheld devices is a first, and says that some designs may have up to 100% of the enclosure constructed out of ceramic.

Does this point directly to an iPhone? Not necessarily, but the evidence for wireless in the iPod is strong. With Microsoft’s Zune gaining attention for its poorly-implemented if much anticipated Wi-Fi capabilities, it’s prime time for Apple to swoop in with a solution of its trademark elegance and design that gives the consumer what they really want.

[via MacNN]


3 Comments

Robert Oswald said:

I'm thinking beyond a phone. I'm thinking of an iPod with an iSight camera built into it as well as phone services – and if you are a .MAC user then you have the iChat capability built into it as well when wireless internet connections become available. ???

November 30, 2006 10:25 AM
Pat Nakajima Author Profile Page said:

iPhone fishmongers, on the other hand, are going quietly about their business on this Thursday morning.

That gave me quite a chortle this afternoon.

November 30, 2006 8:53 PM
Chris said:

Has anyone wondered why there isnt a Wifi add-on to iPods?

Also has no one wondered why there isn't a iPhone add-on to iPods? Maybe I should have patented an iPhone add-on for an iPod, damn.......

Imagine if you will, you go into a store and buy a device that docks to your ipod and add the function of wifi/skype/phone to an ipod, using the iPod screen and battery etc...

I get ideas like that all the freakin time, someone should employ for for my ideas.... hint

December 5, 2006 4:00 AM

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