iPhone 5 lm concept pictures....
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/another-iphone-5-liquid-metal-concept/
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/another-iphone-5-liquid-metal-concept/
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Unlikely to Use Liquidmetal Alloys as Major Design Material for Several Years
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I might spring for a pair of liquidmetal earbuds. With that in mind, it doesn't seem to far-fetched to imagine durable products with improved ergonomics resulting from application of such a material.
Why because some dude who used to work for company wanted some press time? Not like Apple has pulled off anything amazing in the past that defies expectations or anything.
The way it works is by melting the metal and then rapidly cooling it down. Metals normally have a crystal like structure. When its rapidly cooled, the molecules that make up the metal don't have time to go back to its crystal like structure. Instead they are all randomly jumbled together, which is called an amorphous metal. If done right and perfected, this type of metal can be much stronger than its natural crystal like structure. The advantage in technology is that you can use less metal to make thinner devices while at the same time maintaining durability.
Okay, I've decided that bloggers mixed up two different case materials:
Apple once published the idea of making an enclosure from zirconia (zirconium dioxide), which is a ceramic material that usually IS radio transparent.
I think that got mixed up with the very different practice of using the metal zirconium as part of LiquidMetal, which would be electrically conductive and thus NOT radio transparent.
I also found a 2010 interview with the LiquidMetal co-inventor, who did not say anything about it being radio transparent. On the contrary, his idea for Apple was to use an extra conductive LiquidMetal case as a giant radio antenna:
While there has been an antenna made of LiquidMetal, it was loop shaped, not case shaped. If Apple were to try this idea, I suspect the case would have to have various blank areas in it filled with a non-conductive material in order to make a decent antenna shape.
Apple once published the idea of making an enclosure from zirconia (zirconium dioxide), which is a ceramic material that usually IS radio transparent.
I think that got mixed up with the very different practice of using the metal zirconium as part of LiquidMetal, which would be electrically conductive and thus NOT radio transparent.
I also found a 2010 interview with the LiquidMetal co-inventor, who did not say anything about it being radio transparent. On the contrary, his idea for Apple was to use an extra conductive LiquidMetal case as a giant radio antenna:
While there has been an antenna made of LiquidMetal, it was loop shaped, not case shaped. If Apple were to try this idea, I suspect the case would have to have various blank areas in it filled with a non-conductive material in order to make a decent antenna shape.
Seems to me like you're saying they'll use liquid metal as the antenna band around the outside of the phone. Just like on iPhone 4S
Yea, after digging around for the last few hours I can't find any ref to the RF transparency of Liquid Metal. So I consider myself corrected. I do see a lot about using it as a antenna material.
However Apple uses it (if at all) the material does seem to hold a lot of promise.
However Apple uses it (if at all) the material does seem to hold a lot of promise.
Of course, "holding it right" would require using bamboo or plastic tongs - since you couldn't hold it with your hand.
I think you need to read up on your knowledge of materials. Not only are the two metals you mention among the very lightest there are, but furthermore Liquid Metals can be made from different alloys for either strength, flexibility, lightness or corrosion resistance depending on its intended use.
Apple better have something up their sleeves for their iPhone 5 launch because Samsung is rumored to use ceramic casing for their upcoming Galaxy, which is scheduled for release today...
for those who don't know, the only material on Earth stronger than the zirconia material harnessed within the ceramic is diamond... ceramic is super light, does not stain easily, and won't have any affects on signals... anyone who have utilized ceramic knives are fully aware of its ninja-awesomeness.
in any case, i hope Apple will continue their longstanding marriage with Taiwan's casing manufacturer, Catcher Technology Co. Ltd.... and work together to create a case equally, if not more special.
for those who don't know, the only material on Earth stronger than the zirconia material harnessed within the ceramic is diamond... ceramic is super light, does not stain easily, and won't have any affects on signals... anyone who have utilized ceramic knives are fully aware of its ninja-awesomeness.
in any case, i hope Apple will continue their longstanding marriage with Taiwan's casing manufacturer, Catcher Technology Co. Ltd.... and work together to create a case equally, if not more special.
Well, they'll continue with their iOS stuff, ignoring the much-needed Mac hardware updates.
Maybe it's a strategy? A LOT of people will get these new Macs, and maybe it will be more than the total number that would be bought if they updated more frequently.
Maybe it's coming with Mountain Lion? That would give a good reason for all of those 2007-2010 Mac users to get a new computer. Hopefully, the new MacBook Pros will also have retina displays, and the iMacs will have higher resolution.
I just want a new Mac Pro to come out so I can get my overpowered 2008 Mac Pro cheaper and ditch this faulty iMac.
Maybe Apple's next breakthrough product will use Liquidmetal.
Not be made of Liquidmetal.
How about a 3D printer that produces custom objects that are made of Liquidmetal?
You could print your own custom jewelry. If you lose your sim-removal tool, you could print one of those, too.
Not be made of Liquidmetal.
How about a 3D printer that produces custom objects that are made of Liquidmetal?
You could print your own custom jewelry. If you lose your sim-removal tool, you could print one of those, too.
There are limits to liquid metal, as we all know.
"Why didn't it just become a bomb or something to get me?"
"It can't form complex machines. Guns and explosives have chemicals, moving parts. It doesn't work that way. But he can form solid metal shapes."
"Like what?"
"Knives and stabbing weapons."
"Why didn't it just become a bomb or something to get me?"
"It can't form complex machines. Guns and explosives have chemicals, moving parts. It doesn't work that way. But he can form solid metal shapes."
"Like what?"
"Knives and stabbing weapons."
Anything COULD be a good investment. If you take a look at LQMT financial reports, you'd see that they are pretty much insolvent at this point. Not very good at all...
