APPLE has a simple plan to turn your iPhone or iPad into a new type of MacBook that is possibly Apple’s smartest, and dumbest, computer ever.
A day after news of Samsung’s smartphone dock broke, the US Patent office has approved an Apple patent to use the smarts in the iPhone or iPad in a “dumb” MacBook dock.
Unlike the Samsung dock, which adds ports to a Samsung smartphone but no extra keyboard, the Apple idea for the iPhone and iPad is a more complete computing solution.
While some patents, by the time they are approved, show ideas that are several years old, this latest patent by Apple was only lodged about the time Apple released the iPhone 7 last year.
Apple has been granted a patent for the “Electronic Accessory Device” that would drop an iPhone into the keyboard of a MacBook-style dock, so that the iPhone screen becomes the trackpad, or in another version the iPad becomes the MacBook-style dock’s screen — unlike a real MacBook, would still be a touchscreen.
The patent, discovered by Apple Insider, isn’t just as simple as a keyboard with a hole for the iPad or iPhone.
Certainly, with the patent description of the MacBook shell as not having a processor, you’re relying on the computer power of the iOS to drive the thing. So, in that way, the device would not be dissimilar to current iPad docks like the Clamcase that adds an aluminium shell and keyboard.
But with the Apple patent, the dock would offer more.
“The accessory device, however, can provide auxiliary processing resources, such a graphical processing unit, or GPU, or other processing resources that can support the functions of the portable computing device,” the patent says.
So, the dock could boost the graphics capability, or add some needed battery power, and perhaps even include a USB-C port which, even by itself, would be something of a game changer for the iPhone.
Apple is not the first smartphone company that has played with the idea of using the smartphone as the brains of a computer-style dock.
And, just because it has a patent, it does not mean that it will become a product.
Still, if you like the idea of travelling with a really light laptop, Apple could be working on something that is just the thing.(nws)
The wait is over! Starting today, Moto Z and Moto Z Force Droid Editions with Moto ModsTM are available in the U.S. on Verizon Wireless at Verizon, Best Buy, Costco and Motorola.com. Now, you can turn your phone into a movie projector or speaker, and snap on an extra battery pack when your juice gets low. You can even mix up colors and textures to switch up your style.
This is only the beginning. We are working on even more Moto Mods that we can’t wait to share with everyone soon. But we realize we can’t build this ecosystem alone. There are infinite Moto Mod possibilities out there, and we’ve only scratched the surface.
We are providing all the tools you’ll need to bring your Moto Mod idea to life.*
Through the Moto Mods Developer Program, you have the unprecedented opportunity to help build a complete ecosystem that redefines the future of mobile. The Moto Mods Development Kit (MDK) is available to purchase starting today through our exclusive global distribution and manufacturing partner, element14. The MDK includes the same tools we’re using at Motorola to develop Moto Mods.
We’d like to help jumpstart your development process by investing in your future Moto Mod. Lenovo Capital has set aside up to $1M to help bring the best Moto Mod ideas to market. To be eligible for investment funding, you must have a working prototype. All submissions will be evaluated by our Moto Mod Developer Executive Team, and the development teams with the best prototype will be eligible to pitch for investment funding from Lenovo Capital. Investments will be made on terms proposed by Lenovo Capital, and are subject to due diligence and the eligible development team meeting Lenovo Capital's investment criteria. Stay tuned for more details, including how to submit your prototype for consideration.
We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
*Developing with the MDK requires a Moto Z smartphone.
Smartphones should focus on meaningful technology that prioritizes the things people really care about, like capturing great pictures, having all-day battery life or being able to switch carriers when and if needed.
But according to a new survey we conducted among U.S. smartphone users, there are common misperceptions about another meaningful feature of a smartphone -- being unlocked. The majority of people we surveyed are confused about what a universally unlocked phone offers or even what, exactly, an unlocked phone is, so we created a handy infographic to explain it.
The fourth-generation Moto G is universally unlocked in the U.S., so it works on both GSM and CDMA networks and is not tied to a carrier or plan, giving you the most choice possible. No matter where life takes you - whether you want to switch carriers or travel internationally - simply insert the SIM card of your choice and activate your plan. Moto G⁴ lets you keep your options open and focus on what matters.
In the U.S., the new Moto G⁴ will be available starting at $199.99 and Moto G⁴ Plus will be available starting at $249.99 beginning July 12 at Amazon.com, Best Buy, BrandsMart, B&H, Car Toys, Fry’s, MicroCenter, Motorola.com, Sam’s Club and Walmart.com. Pre-orders begin today on motorola.com on June 28, 2016. Moto G⁴ and Moto G⁴ Plus will be available at Republic Wireless beginning July 28.
We’re taking a stand against incremental innovation in the premium smartphone category.
From the mid 1990’s to the mid 2000’s there was meaningful and frequent innovation in wireless. We saw the creation of the first flip phone, the Moto RAZR, the first QWERTY smartphone, the first app ecosystem, and of course, the first touchscreen phone.
But, since then, innovation has stagnated and is often incremental at best. Small changes in display size or megapixels make headlines, yet marginally impact overall experience to the point that new smartphones have become predictable.
The result? Limited choice, similar products and bored consumers. And that’s not fair.
We envision a world where people are not limited by what their smartphone manufacturer provides at one point in time. Instead, we believe people should be empowered to choose the capabilities of their smartphone.
Meet the new Moto Z Family with Moto Mods — transforming your smartphone in a snap!
Made from military aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, the stunning new Moto Z is durable-yet-razor thin - just 5.2mm - and ultra-light with a 5.5” Quad HD AMOLED display. It’s also incredibly powerful packing a Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 820 processor, 4GB of RAM and 32 GB or 64 GB of storage inside. You can get more space for pictures, videos and apps by adding a microSD card up to 2 TB1.
We know the perfect moment doesn’t always mean perfect conditions. That’s why Moto Z has a high-resolution 13MP camera with optical image stabilization and laser autofocus, which help you take beautiful, true-to-life pictures in any light. The front-facing 5MP camera includes a wide-angle lens, which is great for fitting friends in the picture. And, with an extra flash on the front, everybody in the groupie looks their best—even in low light.
A water-repellant coating means rain, splashes or spills won’t get in your way. Tired of fumbling your phone to switch on and sign in? With our fingerprint reader, a touch is all you need to instantly wake up your phone. And with up to 30 hours of battery2 you can go all day and well into the night without needing to stop and recharge. You’ll get up to 8 hours of power in just 15 minutes with TurboPower™ when you finally need a boost3.
Shatter all expectations — again — with the sleek, all-metal design of Moto Z Force featuring the second generation of Moto ShatterShield™ technology, guaranteeing the display won’t crack or shatter in case of a drop.
Packed with the same great features as Moto Z, it ups the game with up to 40 hours of battery life2 and our fastest TurboPower™ charging ever. Get up to 15 hours of battery life in just a 15-minute charge3. Capture crystal-clear photos in any light or setting with an industry-leading 21MP camera, featuring optical image-stabilization, phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and laser autofocus.
It’s unrivaled strength, speed, performance and protection all in one.
Welcome to the next era of mobile technology. With our all new Moto Mods, you now have the ability to transform your Moto Z into exactly what you need it to be. Like an instant party maker with the JBL® SoundBoost -- it’s really, really loud. Or, grab some popcorn and turn your phone into a 70-inch movie projector with the Moto Insta-Share Projector. Need an extra boost? The Power Pack instantly adds up to 22 hours of life to your phone3 -- and it comes in fashionable designs from partners like kate spade new york, TUMI and Incipio.
You can also match your phone to your own personal style as often as you want with Style Shells. Choose from premium materials like real wood and leather, or pick out a patterned fabric. You can swap them whenever you like.
We’ve made the connection process super-simple too. High-powered magnets connect Moto Mods to your phone so you can easily snap them together as your needs change. And since function never goes out of style, rest assured that the Moto Mods developed today are designed to work with future generations of Moto Z phones4.
Bring your ideas to life
Have a great idea for a Moto Mod? Not only are we working on more Moto Mods to add to the ecosystem, we’re also providing open architecture and the tools you need to bring your own idea to life. Through the new Moto Mods Developer Program, small developers to established enterprises will have the unprecedented opportunity to help build a complete ecosystem that maximizes innovation and redefines the future of mobile.
Need a little help with your Moto Mods idea? We’ve got you covered: The Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group (LCIG) will be setting aside seed equity funding to spur innovation on the Moto Mods platform. In addition, the LCIG has set aside $1,000,000 in equity funding for the individual or company that creates the best Moto Mods prototype by March 31, 2017.
For more info about the Moto Mods Development Kit and the certification process, visit developer.motorola.com.
How to get the Moto Z Family and Moto Mods
U.S.
Moto Z DROID™ Edition and Moto Z Force DROID™ Edition5 will be available in the U.S. this summer through our exclusive launch partner Verizon at Verizon stores, retailers such as Best Buy and on moto.com. Moto Mods announced today will be available at the same time.
Moto Z also will be available unlocked on moto.com and at various retailers this fall.
Global
Moto Z will be available worldwide beginning in September along with Moto Mods. Check your local websites for the latest information.
Images can be found here (you agree to our license terms when downloading images or video).
1MicroSD card sold separately. Content with DRM restrictions may not be able to be moved to the card. 200GB is the maximum capacity currently available.
2Moto Z: 30 hours in U.S., Canada and Europe; 24 hours rest of world. All battery life claims are approximate and based on an average user profile that includes both usage and standby. Actual battery performance will vary and depends on many factors including signal strength, network configuration, age of battery, operating temperature, features selected, device settings, voice, data, and other application usage patterns.
3Moto Z: 8 hours of power in 15 minutes in U.S., Canada and Europe; 7 hours of power rest of world. Power Pack: 22 hours in US and EMEA; 20 hours in ROW. Battery must be substantially depleted; charging rate slows as charging progresses. All battery life claims are approximate and based on an average mixed use profile that includes both usage and standby time on a 4G LTE network. Out-of-box settings are applied to the mixed use profile to project battery performance. Actual battery performance will vary and depends on many factors including signal strength, network configuration, age of battery, operating temperature, features selected, device settings, and voice, data, and other application usage patterns. 4Co-branded Moto Mods may require software upgrades to maintain compatibility, contact the manufacturer for details. 5DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm, Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.
