Two newly-published patent applications suggest different directions for Apple's touchscreen devices. The first, Stylus Adapted For Low Resolution Touch Sensor Panels, superficially depicts the sort of stylus which used to be common for smartphones, and is still used with a number of tablet PCs. Different is support for capacitive touchscreens, which are more responsive than resistive ones but usually dependent on the electricity from a person's finger.

A basic version of the stylus would use a conductive disk at one end, allowing a signal to reach sensors. Capacitive support would require a powered model, which could also be built to send extra information, such as angles and force used while drawing or writing. The controller would thus be useful in art apps, simulating techniques analog artists rely on.

What remains unknown is the type of device the stylus would be used with. While it could conceivably be used with an iPhone or iPod, Apple has consciously designed those products to be controlled only with fingers. Apple could provide a stylus for its forthcoming tablet, but no rumors to that effect have been in circulation. The company could also just be looking to patent an idea that was rejected internally, but might be valuable to other electronics makers.

The second filing, Multi-Model Modes of One Device, depicts an interface which would support different layouts and inputs depending on where a mobile device was located. A gadget mounted in a car, for instance, could show a radically different interface layout than when it is in a gym. Docked and undocked states could have the same effect.

"Based on a selected mode, the media player may provide access to only content, features, hardware, user interface elements, and the like that the user wishes to have access to when the mode is enabled," Apple's description reads. "The media player may provide the user different experiences, looks, and feels for each mode." To fit particular demands, layouts and media playlists could be customized.

Both of the patent applications were originally submitted in 2008.