Apple scores a patent for curved touch surfaces

[Homicidal_Squirrel]

Link.

I don't get the whole fascination with curved screens for phones. Does it really make any difference on a phone to have a curve screen?

 

[LittleMonkeyMojo]

It's more practical for some applications.

I don't get the whole fascination with curved screens for phones. Does it really make any difference on a phone to have a curve screen?

If you have a wrist watch with a large screen, it's more practical (and functional) to have the screen wrap around the wrist. For your average phone, maybe it will fit better in a pocket. But I think the main application would be for your wrist or forearm.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Scaled-up, it will also have application in commercial displays. Think of the computer screens on the walls of the cuved hallways of the Starship Enterprise, or one of those free-standing displays in a mall.

It could also revolutionize car interiors, or bring on-board screens to things like high-end touring motorcycles.

 

[Homicidal_Squirrel]

I can see it for a watch, but not a phone. The whole "it fits better in a pocket" just doesn't do it for me. I've used the Galaxy Note 2, and it fit fine in my back pocket. I don't see Apple making any phones the size of the Note, so I don't know why they would curve the screen.

 

[Thorf]

I'm at a loss as to how curved glass would make a phone better too. Clearly there are tons of things that it would be good in, but an iPhone? Why?

 

[Morrus]

If you have a wrist watch with a large screen, it's more practical (and functional) to have the screen wrap around the wrist. For your average phone, maybe it will fit better in a pocket. But I think the main application would be for your wrist or forearm.

Yeah, I think this is ultimately about wearable tech.

 

[Deset Gled]

I remember a time when all touch screens were curved.

It's also interesting to note that LG and Samsung both have curved phones planned for release. It will be interesting to see if they have a different enough design to avoid patent trolling from Apple.

 

[Kramodlog]

Curved iTV?

 

[Fast Learner]

I would guess it's just a defensive patent, in case they ever want to do something with a curved screen. Tons of large company patents work that way.

 

[Homicidal_Squirrel]

I would guess it's just a defensive patent, in case they ever want to do something with a curved screen. Tons of large company patents work that way.

That's terrible. They end up getting a patent and then don't do anything with it, and actually stop other companies from doing something interesting with it. I hate when companies pull that bs.