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Hardware News

Apple job posting alludes to solar power features for upcoming mobile devices

One day, your Apple mobile products will drink in the sun for energy. Or at least that’s what can be speculated from their hiring boards. Per AppleInsider, Apple is seeking an engineer with thin films experience as applied to semiconductor or solar manufacturing, suggesting the company is investigating viable alternative energy source for future mobile […]

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Hardware News Patents

Apple receives patent for solar multitouch panels, could harvest additional energy for iOS devices from sunlight

This could turn into something very, very spiffy. Per the United States Patent and Trademark Office, on Tuesday Apple a patent for an invention that integrates a touch sensor array with a solar panel, allowing for portable device to be both power-efficient and compact. Apple’s newly-granted U.S. Patent No. 8,368,654 for an “Integrated touch sensor […]

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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 […]