Apple gets two new iPhone-related patents
April 20, 2011 by Katie Gatto 
(PhysOrg.com) -- Apple is spending time with the patent office again, and this time it is for a double header. Apple has been rewarded not one, but two different patents, and they are both related to the iPhone.
The first patent, number 7,929,959, is a cardless way of activate a cell phone that is attached to a specific carrier. You may not think that getting rid of the SIM card would be that big of a deal, but in reality this idea would allow end users to be able to easily switch carriers. Users will be able to activate handsets that are currently tied down to one carrier on a different carriers network. That would mean that an iPhone user on At&T would be able to switch over to Verizon without having to buy a new phone, with the associated hefty hardware bill. It may even, at some point in the future, give users the option to switch to other networks.
The second patent, number 7,928,965, will add a radio-frequency identifier key to the touchscreen display. The radio-frequency identifier key that could, in the future, be used as a method of data transfer. It could also be used to open radio-frequency doors, or any other number of applications. Though, this may create a potential security issue, if this technology is used for data sharing, and security will have to go with the radio-frequency identifier key.
All of this technology is currently at the patent stage. No information has been released on when, if ever, this technology can be expected to be implemented in future generations of iPhones.
© 2010 PhysOrg.com
-
From lemons to lemonade: Reaction uses carbon dioxide to make carbon-based semiconductor,
32 comments
-
Thioridazine kills cancer stem cells in human while avoiding toxic side-effects of conventional cancer treatments,
3 comments
-
SpaceX private rocket blasts off for space station (Update),
42 comments
-
Climate scientists say they have solved riddle of rising sea,
30 comments
-
Research team claims to have found evidence Lake Cheko is impact crater for Tunguska Event,
18 comments
-
Need a rigid insulation material???
5 hours ago
-
magnets or EMF in car bumpers to protect from fender bender
21 hours ago
-
length of wire in a coil of known dimensions?
May 25, 2012
-
India Engineering Powerhouse
May 25, 2012
-
electromagnet core dereference between hard and soft iron
May 25, 2012
-
Measuring water pressure in an open tank
May 24, 2012
- More from Physics Forums - General Engineering
More news stories
SpotterRF debuts Radar Backpack Kit (w/ Video)
(Phys.org) -- SpotterRF has announced a special radar backpack kit designed to enhance situational awareness for soldiers on the ground. The company says its special radar is designed for warfighters as part ...
Technology / Hi Tech & Innovation
19 hours ago |
5 / 5 (5) |
12
|
Probability of contamination from severe nuclear reactor accidents is higher than expected: study
Catastrophic nuclear accidents such as the core meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima are more likely to happen than previously assumed. Based on the operating hours of all civil nuclear reactors and the number ...
Technology / Energy & Green Tech
May 22, 2012 |
3.6 / 5 (21) |
55
|
Delphi gasoline-injection engine technique rivals hybrid's edge
(Phys.org) -- Running a diesel like engine on gasoline is something Delphi is doing in notable fashion. They claim they are on to a promising way to enjoy an engine that gives the vehicle owner high efficiency ...
Technology / Energy & Green Tech
May 21, 2012 |
4.7 / 5 (18) |
37
|
HyperSolar shows dirty water no barrier to power world
(Phys.org) -- The Santa Barbara, California, company, HyperSolar, is set to transparently share the ups and downs of its research experiences toward the company’s ultimate vision, successfully producing ...
Technology / Energy & Green Tech
May 24, 2012 |
4.8 / 5 (15) |
17
|
Tesla to launch electric sedan in US on June 22
Tesla Motors said Tuesday it would begin deliveries of "the world's first premium electric sedan" on June 22, slightly ahead of schedule.
Technology / Energy & Green Tech
May 22, 2012 |
4.5 / 5 (11) |
18
Scientist: Evolution debate will soon be history
(AP) -- Richard Leakey predicts skepticism over evolution will soon be history. Not that the avowed atheist has any doubts himself.
Dell tablet leak: 10.1-inch display, two-battery choice
(Phys.org) -- Headline after headline talks about vendors’ tablets in the wings as likely number-one contenders for the iPad. Such claims have justifiably been taken with a grain of salt, considering ...
SpaceX capsule has 'new car' smell, astronauts say (Update)
SpaceX's Dragon cargo vessel smells like a new car, said astronauts at the International Space Station after opening the hatches Saturday following the spacecraft's landmark mission to the orbiting lab.
Thousands of shellfish found dead in Peru
Thousands of crustaceans were found dead off the coast of Lima following the mystery mass death of dolphins and pelicans, the Peruvian Navy said Friday.
Astronomers seize last chance in lifetime for Venus Transit
Astronomers are gearing for one the rarest events in the Solar System: an alignment of Earth, Venus and the Sun that will not be seen for another 105 years.
Keep food safety in mind this memorial day weekend
(HealthDay) -- Picnics, parades and cookouts are as much a part of Memorial Day weekend as tributes to the United States' war veterans.
Apr 20, 2011
Rank: 1 / 5 (2)
That's a blatant lie. AT&T uses GSM technology whereas Verizon uses CDMA. Those two technologies are completely incompatible. In fact, CDMA doesn't even use a SIM card. It seems much more likely that the first patent has to do with activating Verizon based CDMA iPhone 4's than any carrier independent functionality. The other option is activating between GSM carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or any of the foreign carriers which use GSM. Do some research before you post.
Apr 20, 2011
Rank: 3 / 5 (1)
Apr 20, 2011
Rank: 5 / 5 (1)
You may want to consider that since the tech has not been introduced yet it would apply to future LTE installations which are obviously compatible. I think Kinsiq is also trying to refer to the rumored switch to Qualcom chips which support both GSM & CDMA in the same package for the iPhone 5.
So there is no blatant lie here at all and the research is good.