Apple planning solar-powered iPod?

January 25, 2010

Several sources are reporting Apple’s application for a patent covering the use of transparent solar cells and their power management for portable hand-held devices.

Apple solar patent diagram, via Martin Lamonica/CNET From PatentlyApple: “…Because solar cells … can be embedded in the entire front cover of the device including the display and click wheel, at least a portion of the front cover can be made from a transparent or semi-transparent material. This can allow light to reach the solar cells so that the solar cells can generate electrical power.”

Beats me what’s patentable about that configuration, but hey, that’s the patent game.

You can read the patent application yourself here at the US Patent and Trademark Office.

[Via Ecofriend and CNET]

Posted by Margery Conner on January 25, 2010 | Comments (3)

February 1, 2010

In response to: Apple planning solar-powered iPod?
Henry commented:

Are we sure this is not April 1st... I hope that the patent lawyers aren't getting too much out of this...

January 27, 2010

In response to: Apple planning solar-powered iPod?
Rick commented:

I can definitely see it now.....people jogging trying to keep optimal light on the display and running into trees, other people, getting hit by cars, etc.. Or better yet trying to keep it positioned on the dash of their car in the best possible spot and running down pedestrians. This could cut down on human population and that's green....

January 26, 2010

In response to: Apple planning solar-powered iPod?
William Ketel commented:

I hope that what Apple is chasing is a design patent, rather than an engineering patent. What it actually winds up being will be interesting. The design patent covers the "form and feel" of something, sort of like a cpyright on the physical implementation. BUT if it is in fact on the controls and switching scheme, then, yes, it certainly could stifel a lot of development in solar power management in handheld devices. BUT won't it look funny, seeing all of those runners trying to hold their IPOds in the brightest light?

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