One More Thing... Shapeshifting

Apple broke new ground with their heavy backing of touchscreen devices like the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. These iDevices can visually reconfigure the controls for every application. Now it looks like Apple is trying to break new ground yet again, in a big way. One of the reasons Apple has been so enthusiastic about touchscreens is their ability to change controls, hide controls, and get the most use out of the available space. The only downside is the reconfiguration is visual only, leaving many longing for some sort of tactile feedback. However, if Apple can offer a device like one described in a recent Apple patent filing, users could feel the changes as well.

Patently Apple recently posted this Apple patent filing for a reconfigurable touchscreen surface. The example shows a screen that could change topography to create an input area that can be used and navigated by touch. These examples show the display reconfiguring into the classic iPod touchwheel and a phone-style keypad.

Above are a few more examples showing how the device reconfigures based on need. In these examples it turns into a keypad, and simple "OK" and "CANCEL" buttons.

As seen here, this technology is being considered not only for use on full touchscreen devices like the iPhone, but also the iPod classic, and a MacBook trackpad.

Changing from keypads to touchscreens was a tremendous technological leap and going from a solid surface to reconfigurable one would be just as momentous a leap. This would allow touchscreen devices to have physical keyboards without adding any noticeable bulk. It would also allow touchscreen devices to be made accessible for the visually impaired as well as usable by drivers and other individuals who do not wish to move their eyes to the device to use it.

While Apple likes to say the iPhone 4 is a device that "changes everything again," it is obvious that a device like the one shown here would be a definite game-changer. If this technology is held exclusively by Apple, it would put them far ahead of their competitors, much like when the first iPhone launched.

For more images and details on how this technology works, make sure to visit the full report at PatentlyApple.com.

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