Apparently it is. The US Patent office is a mess, but they aren't granting patents that would be so obviously similar to something that has been patented previously.
So what happens when you drop your phone and damage the external slots?
Current devices may contain antennas for GSM, 3G/LTE, GPS, wifi and Bluetooth, though some of these may be combined. The iPhone 5, for example, uses just two antennas for the five functions, using rapid frequency switching to enable one antenna to do two jobs. Eliminating the need for internal antenna space altogether would, though, allow for slimmer and smaller devices.
Apple's interest in the possibility of implementing microslot antennas dates back to at least 2007 when the patent was filed, meaning that the concept may be requiring significant refinement before arriving in a shipping product or may have been scrapped entirely by this point. Still, it is clear that Apple is continuing to look for ways to handle the increasing complexity of wireless communications while maintaining its design goals for size and aesthetics.
Article Link: Apple Patents Nearly Invisible 'Microslot Antennas' Allowing for Smaller Devices
Only a matter of time before someone rips this off and people here start griping that Apple is "stifling innovation." I don't even see the point of patents anymore.
So that you do not need your MBA/MBP AND your iPhone!? Tim Cook says: Nooooooooo!
;-)
Microscopic slots = dust magnet.
This is great news. It proves that Apple took Antennagate seriously & decided to learn to build high quality functional antennas. I wonder how long it will take for them to implement the new design.
That's what I'm wondering. If they're only microns wide, it seems like they'd be terribly prone to distortion from even slight stresses on the case. Maybe they'd have a stiff, nonconductive backing reinforcement?
Microscopic slots = dust magnet.
Only a matter of time before someone rips this off and people here start griping that Apple is "stifling innovation." I don't even see the point of patents anymore.
This looks a bit like the drawing in:MacRumors said:
Microscopic slots = dust magnet.
Only a matter of time before someone rips this off and people here start griping that Apple is "stifling innovation." I don't even see the point of patents anymore.
Good, I've been wondering when they were going to make the iPhone 5 thinner. That sucker is way too thick for me!
I've never understood why this is such a big problem when the entire front of the device is glass. But those Apple engineers are pretty bright folks, so I suppose it is an issue.
I'm always simultaneously fascinated & hopeful when I see patents come through like this. Really makes me curious and optimistic as to the continued and infinite possibilities in technology.
....this could also create the possibility of an all-aluminum case.....it is clear that Apple is continuing to look for ways to handle the increasing complexity of wireless communications while maintaining its design goals for size and aesthetics.
Article Link: Apple Patents Nearly Invisible 'Microslot Antennas' Allowing for Smaller Devices
There's a metal plate attached to the back of the screen.