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News Patents

Apple looks into universal power adapter to charge MacBook, iOS devices

It’s the patents that make things interesting. Per freepatentsonline, Apple has shown interest in building a new universal power adapter compatible with different DC voltage levels, allowing portable devices like a MacBook Pro, iPhone and iPad to be charged at the same time with just one wall plug. The proposed invention was revealed this week […]

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MacBook Pro News Software

Apple releases MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.5 for unspecified MacBook Pro notebooks

In addition to the AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule firmware updates, Apple on Friday also released MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.5, which reportedly “resolves an issue where a MacBook Pro being used with a power adapter may unexpectedly shut down under heavy workload if the battery charge level is near empty.” Per The […]

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News

Apple looking into long-term plans for solar powered devices

It’s the nifty stuff that’s always down the road a bit… Per DigiTimes, Apple has reportedly shown continued interest in building solar-powered devices, but the niche market for solar components is said to require more time to mature. Apple and Samsung are the two companies specifically said to be “evaluating” solar power for their consumer […]

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Patents

Apple may be looking into creating external “quick charge” battery packs for devices

Apple has apparently shown an interest in developing an integrated external battery pack into its standard charging cable, providing extra power for devices like a MacBook or iPhone when a power outlet isn’t available. Per AppleInsider, the potential future accessory was revealed this week in a new patent application published by the U.S. Patent and […]

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News Patents

Apple patent application shows interest in developing solar as a power source for mobile devices

A recently revealed patent application shows that Apple is continuing to research solar power as a potential secondary power source for its mobile devices. Per freepatentsonline, the application, which describes an auxiliary solar cell that interfaces with a device’s battery, was published earlier this week. The invention includes a “battery charging manager” that can handle […]