I agree with the thinking that this patent application is a red herring for what Apple really intend this tech to be for. It's quite funny that there are a load of people over at Slashdot who are speculating as to what the lights in the case will be for but I reckon Apple will surprise us all.
Who knows the patent may be for a new kind of led projector?
I refuse to believe that Apple will use this on a "Chameleon Case" as I can't imagine what kind of design could have such a case and still maintain the Apple design traits that we all know and love.
I think monkeyastronaut is right, that this will be iTunes related. Specifically, I think it might be a new enclosure for the iPod. The iPod is their only product that comes in multiple colours now, so it make more sense than a computer case that changes colours. Why would that think anyone would want an iPod case that changes colours? Why would anyone want a cell-phone case that blinks colours when it rings. An iPod case that could effectively provide visualizer effects would be aimed at the same market I think. Tacky as hell, but who knows...maybe they think it could sell. Likely will never see the light of day.
It's also possible some Apple engineers saw this, started brainstorming about how that technology might be used in a computer, and being good company engineers they whipped up a patent with no intention of ever using it. (And used the patent development as an excuse to have Apple buy them a bunch of Orbs.)
Comments
Who knows the patent may be for a new kind of led projector?
I refuse to believe that Apple will use this on a "Chameleon Case" as I can't imagine what kind of design could have such a case and still maintain the Apple design traits that we all know and love.
- Jasen.