Apple competitors and fans should know this news. It simply blows up your mind as the Cupertino-based iPhone maker came up with a new idea on how users can interact with their devices. USPTO has revealed a new patent app that is simple yet interesting, and it can actually change the future of tablet computers or smartphones. Thanks to PatentlyApple source that keeps an eye on each new patent idea introduced by Apple company, we now know that “Smart Bezel” may one day turn into a reality. Right now this is just a dream and an inner view of what the famous iPhone creator has on its mind.

Apple Smart Bezel

While some people might think that one screen is enough for various productivity controls, Apple has a different opinion and introduces the secondary display idea that is able to carry different controls along with illuminated indicators. Such a gadget would be truly interactive bringing both functionality and contemporary technologies to iOS gadget fans. Modern devices are widely using LCD screen with a touch interface which takes some space on the display. Apple wants to solve this problem with the space occupied by visual indicators by creating a secondary display. This way the main LCD screen could be used for showing all visual content leaving all controls and visual outputs to the secondary display that could be “a printed segmented electroluminescence” one. According to the documents, “Smart Bezel” is the secondary electroluminescence display that is touch-sensitive and can become a new input method used by iOS tech giant. The Cupertino company makes it possible to disable the bezel if users wish to do so.

Examples of Apple Smart Bezel

Images provided by the company suggest how Apple Smart Bezel could be used. Since this display would be touch-sensitive [if it becomes a real product, of course, as not all patents offered by the Cupertino-based monster complement its product line], users might be able to approach the display with their hand and see the Home button illuminated responding to your moves. The new device might give the second birth to iPod Classic. You can imagine how its interface morphs between the music player and secondary screen that is capable of changing not only its indicators but also display orientation. We are all used to reading in portrait mode while playing games in landscape orientation, and the next-generation gadget could easily adjust to user’s needs.

More Freedom to Developers

Rumors state that developers might get access to the secondary display and create their own app icons or special tools for their programs in order to react to users by being illuminated in the “Smart Bezel” area. This patent gives Apple and devs much freedom. There will be almost no limits to their imagination and creativity. What does it mean to ordinary users? We’ll just get a chance to interact with the new device, its applications, games and programs having controls built both into the front and back side of the device. Isn’t it cool? Take a look at these schemes to get a better idea of Apple Smart Bezel device which we might see in the future: GR5PY8YNJ46N