Apple’s iDevice-related patents receive more attention online than those of any other product. And if you haven’t figured out how important patents are in this industry, just take a look around.
While patents in general can be boring legal documents, the ones coming out of Cupertino can hint at future products and features. Take this next filing for example. It describes a method of solar-powered charging for electronic devices…
As TUAW points out, this particular patent just covers the boring components of solar power. It talks more about harnessing the solar energy, rather than capturing it.
Regardless, Apple continues to churn out evidence of its interest in solar energy. In fact, the company filed a patent application back in 2008 regarding a multitouch display that doubled as a solar panel.
While most applications don’t make it to consumer products, this patent was approved and could certainly wind up in an iDevice or two. I know I wouldn’t mind being able to sit outside, using my iPad as it charged wirelessly, would you?