Apple engineers file for patent on 'active' stylus
updated 12:09 pm EST, Mon December 31, 2012
Accessory would improve response without increasing costs
Engineers working for Apple have applied for a US patent on an "active" stylus, reports say. In most respects the concept is like any current stylus, but instead of simply blocking electric field lines on a capacitive touchscreen, the Apple stylus could generate an electric field, and/or act as a sense electrode for signals from drive rows and columns. The patent filing remarks that this could improve response on a touchscreen without "significant" extra cost.
Apple itself isn't named in the application, but both of the people involved, Jonah Harley and David Simon, are engineering managers for the company. Based on history, one possibility is that Apple will wait until the patent is granted to use its name. The company may have been hoping to throw off competitors looking to Apple patents for ideas.
At the same time, Apple has been strongly resistant to the idea of styluses; the original iPhone was consciously designed to eliminate the need for one, at a time when other smartphones often required them. Third-party styluses have become increasingly popular for iOS devices however, and Samsung is bundling its own styluses with devices like the Galaxy Note II. Most phones and tablets no longer require a stylus, but they can make drawing and notetaking more practical.
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So lets see, I thought I heard a few from this abode say "people" didn't want stylus or they always lost it and didn't care. Well guess what, crApple is feeling the heat against their "total domination" or "go thermo" mantra.... And now here you go....
Round two is 2013; place your bets while the game is just beginning another heat cycle. They are now stepping into Samsung territory. The croc awaits patiently while the eyes take in the dance of a white mist ready to be blown away with fierce play of technology, distribution, marketing, and bank roll,. Yes I am talking about samsung. They have had a pretty proactive US campaign in the last 6 months. +1
crApple is trying to protect the US consumer from "other" potential products. Samsung has gotten it right, and continues to get it right. crApple you better hug them customers while you can...
One of the things that will help crApple is bringing jobs back to the US for good PR and support by local consumers. I can see why one board member calls for a human rights labor division to help with public view and make this side of crApple seem important while in the light of residual negative press.
There are only so many many bullets a company can take before it to loses it's luster in public view.