Wireless charging cover, advanced Pencil, and more
● The smart cover will bring wireless charging to iPads through inductive input/ output ports. ● The new Pencil will sport the iPad’s smart connector.
It’s not surprising that Apple keeps on filing new patents for revolutionary technologies that aim to make life easier for consumers. While the iPhones are the next big thing from the Cupertino giant, the iPad seems to be left behind, using older technologies in a refreshed format. However, unlike tablet manufacturers from the Android universe, Apple keeps the iPad on priority and therefore has been launching updated versions for the past few years. And, if some leaked patents are to be believed, then the iPad could be getting some high- tech love from Apple in the near future.
According to a patent uncovered by Patently Apple, Apple is working on a smart cover for the iPad that aims to bring the benefits of wireless charging to its users without sacrificing the iPad’s signature metal build. The technology will involve an inductive charging coil placed in the cover alongside an inductive power transmitter unit. For the iPad to receive the power wirelessly, Apple will embed an inductive power receiver unit in the iPad. Both the inductive elements will be aligned appropriately with the help of magnetic elements, which will also keep the cover attached to the body of the iPad. The standard Smart Cover on sale already uses magnetic strips to attach to the iPad and iPad Pro models.
Another major iPad accessory slated to get a major upgrade is the Apple Pencil. The patent describes the upcoming Apple Pencil to feature advanced force sensitivity for enabling precision input for the iPad Pro models. The tip is disposable and will emit electromagnetic signals to be able to get detected by an electronic device. The tip is also configured to receive a force when the tip touches the electronic device. Another major addition to the Apple Pencil is the addition of the smart connector from the iPad Pro, which could eventually provide a better way to charge it up or pair with the iPad.
Do note that these are still patents and there could be a high possibility that Apple may never put these concepts into commercial production. However, as stated, the iPad is a priority for Apple and we see no reason as to why they wouldn’t implement it. At Google I/ O this year, Google Maps got some new ways to explore any city/ location by helping users find the spots to eat, drink and navigate accordingly. Google is now rolling out many of those features to users globally.
Google has redesigned the Explore tab that will now give users quick recommendations for restaurants, bars, and cafes in an area that users are interested in. The suggestions are based on the trending lists from local experts and Google’s algorithms. On Android, users can keep track of their progress against the restaurants featured in the trending lists. The Explore tab now surfaces the top events and activities happening in the area. Users can see photos, descriptions and filter by categories like “good for kids,” “cheap” or “indoor or outdoor”.
If the user has his/ her location history turned on, each restaurant features “Your match” – a numeric rating that helps users tell how likely they are going to enjoy the place according to their preferences, this idea is to save the users’ time by scrolling down the reviews for selecting a restaurant/ bar.
The new Settings on the Google Maps will now allow users to select their food and drink preferences to get better recommendations while searching. And lastly, there’s a new “For you” tab, which will let users know about everything happening in areas like nearby the user’s home, work, or a city that they visit frequently. For instance, if a user selects to follow a neighbourhood then the ‘ For You’ tab instantly gives them suggestions about any new restaurants or cafes, that will eventually match user’s taste ( as set in the settings of the app) or any new favourite dining spots that are appeared in the news recently.
The ‘ For you’ tab is now available on Android in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Users need to update their Google Maps app from App Store and Play Store to get these new features.
The Explore tab that will now give recommendations for restaurants, bars, and cafes The “For you” tab will inform about nearby areas.