Apple considers 'active' packaging for handhelds
updated 12:25 pm EDT, Fri July 3, 2009
'Active packagin' patent
Future iPhones and iPods from Apple could come in "active packaging," a recently-published patent application hints. Apple observes that while standard product packaging serves its essential purpose, it is also subject to limitations, such as an inability to showcase electronics in action without completely draining batteries. Similarly, should firmware updates become available, a store's inventory can be left outdated until people decide to take products home.
A proposed Apple solution would involve a plastic polymer backing, with wire traces built in to provide power, data and grounding connections. Aside from firmware updates, data links could be used to transfer advertising, as well as other forms of audio and video. The patent notes that any wired connection would have to interface with a handheld's USB dock connector.
A more advanced concept would allow not only for wireless data transfer, but wireless power, whether through magnetic induction or a similar technology. One suggestion would involve an RF power transmitter, broadcasting to antennas for each individual package, while another could require packages to be stacked together to transfer energy. Only one device might demand direct power in such circumstances.
Apple lastly notes that using coordinate data, handhelds could be made to display media only when at the front of a stack, or when sensors detect motion, such as a person picking up a package. Together devices could be made to put on a synchronized display, which also necessitate keeping clocks in sync through occasional data bursts.
The patent filing was originally submitted in January of last year, crediting Michael Rosenblatt.
How about
07/03, 12:36pm (1 reply) reply
... a large video display wall, say 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall, running apple demos and ads . . . oh, and they're all iPods. Awesome! (Oh, by the way, they're stacked 5 deep, so when someone grabs one to buy, the one behind it comes out of sleep, filling in the hole).Oh, yeah, also: Apple, please play the 1984 ad from time to time.
JEB
Junior Member
Joined: May 2001
Life of display?
07/03, 04:02pm reply
Active packaging may be convenient for both user and seller to provide the most up to date product upon purchase. However, I'm thinking of the component life of the product parts including the display if it has been on 24/7. How much more could the end user get from it before it starts to dim or others start to wear down.
I think almost everyone are asking for the new stock in the back rather than the one on display.
leonpro
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2004
Re: Life of display
07/04, 10:12am reply
Certainly. No one wants to buy a 'display unit', regardless of whether it still is in packaging.
And there's nothing a wall of ipods can show that a video can't, or that they already aren't showing off on the floor.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Re: Life of display
07/04, 11:24am reply
Yeah, this plan sounds like this plan will create a whole bunch of display units. If the selling price for these units isn't discounted appropriately, I can envision a whole lot of them sitting on the shelf. I certainly wouldn't buy one that been powered up continuously.
jvputten
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
I like the idea....
07/05, 02:26am reply
I like this idea. Lets people fiddle with them without having to wait in line at a counter. Also, having a unit on & running ~5-8 days before purchase isn't going to affect display life.
Fast iBook
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2003
Just imagine...
07/06, 09:42am reply
...a Beowulf cluster of active packages!
resuna
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
Re: I like the idea
07/06, 01:27pm reply
Well, the idea is bad for one whole other reason. It'll never be used.
Where, exactly, does any store (even an apple one) leave iPods out to be 'touched' or picked up? They're in locked cases for a reason - to prevent theft.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001