Apple Has Patented a Design for a Smartphone/Pen Combo
Andrew Sztein — March 29, 2013 — Tech
While rumors have been flying lately about iPhone maker Apple working on a smart watch, the mega-corporation surprised everyone by patenting smart pens instead.
While the smart watch could still be in development, the smart pens that Apple patented could be the next big thing. According to the patent documents, the smart pens will not only write on normal paper, but will also be able to send text messages, make phone calls, locate through GPS, receive email, make calculations, keep schedules and tell you the time. There's no announced release date, and a patent is no guarantee of a commercial release, but the concept is fascinating.
While the design is certainly appealing and interesting, I think I would be too terrified to ever use the pen. After all, I lose pens at about the same rate that the Titanic lost passengers after hitting an iceberg.
While the smart watch could still be in development, the smart pens that Apple patented could be the next big thing. According to the patent documents, the smart pens will not only write on normal paper, but will also be able to send text messages, make phone calls, locate through GPS, receive email, make calculations, keep schedules and tell you the time. There's no announced release date, and a patent is no guarantee of a commercial release, but the concept is fascinating.
While the design is certainly appealing and interesting, I think I would be too terrified to ever use the pen. After all, I lose pens at about the same rate that the Titanic lost passengers after hitting an iceberg.
Trend Themes
1. Smart Pens - The patented smart pens by Apple have the potential to revolutionize the way people write and interact with technology.
2. Multipurpose Pens - The ability of the smart pens to perform a wide range of functions, such as making phone calls and keeping schedules, opens up opportunities for the development of multipurpose writing instruments.
3. Integrated Technologies - The integration of GPS, text messaging, email, and other technologies into a traditional pen form factor represents a disruptive innovation in the field of writing instruments.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - The development of computerized smart pens presents new opportunities for technological advancements and the convergence of digital and analog writing.
2. Stationery - The introduction of smart pens can create a new category within the stationery industry, combining traditional writing tools with advanced digital features.
3. Communications - The smartphone capabilities of the smart pens offer potential for innovation in the communications industry, enabling convenient communication through a multifunctional writing instrument.
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