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Another patent that was applied for by Apple has been announced today. The patent looks to be a form of 3D projection technology. The patent was originally filed in 2006, and has just now been released publicly.

The patent involves a very complex 3D imaging device. Taking a look at the patent, there appears to be atleast 3 devices needed in order for the images to appear in 3D. The first is the projector itself, which would obviously show the image on the screen. A second device would come into play, which is being called a “3D imager”. The third looks to be a light sensor. One cool feature that was mentioned in the patent, is how the 3D viewing would work. First, there would be no need for any ocular equipment to view in 3D. Also with the 3D imager, the perspective of the screen changes if you happen to being viewing the screen from different angles.

Looking at the setup, it’s hard to imagine how this would fit in with someone’s home entertainment setup. Most people are minimalists when it comes to their setup, wanting the least amount of hardware for the functions they need. Having three pieces of equipment just to project a 3D image, would most likely turn people off. Also, with the hardware needed to pull such a feat off, the setup would probably cost more money than the average consumer would be willing to spend.

What do you all think of this patent, and just what could Apple be up to?

It was reported earlier in the week that there might be a delay for the SDK (software development kit) release. The rumor was that a source from BusinessWeek said that the SDK might be delayed by as much as 1-3 weeks. This rumor looks to be somewhat true, as it looks as though Apple is going to release its’ SDK info to developer’s March 6th. In all fairness, Apple didn’t miss their time window by all that much, since they promised the SDK would be ready by the end of February.

The event has been aptly named, “iPhone software roadmap” ,which shows a map with a few destinations in the iPhone’s future. The destination most relevant to this article, is the sign for the SDK, and is March 6th.

So it looks like the week of March 6th, is going to be a very exciting time for iPhone users. Be sure to check back into FreeMacBlog as I’m sure there will be all kinds of news pouring out after the event.

Travel can be a very frustrating event, having to keep up with where you are and where you need to be. A new patent issued by Apple, could make road travel alittle easier, if the idea comes to be. The idea comes by the way of a “podmap”, which would mix the idea of a map and a podcast.

The podmap consists of a few steps to get your directions. First you would input your starting location and your destination. Then your directions would be returned to you in the form of a podcast file. The file would consist of an image of your directions, showing you what turns to make. Along side the visual aspect of your podmap, you would have have audio dialogue giving you directions. Probably the coolest potential of the podmap is it would compatible with portable media players.

Another cool feature of the podmap is the capability of media playback. You can rewind, fast forward to get the specific directions for the the particular place you are at on your trip.

While it hasn’t officially been reported to be in physical production, it’s exciting to see the idea of the podmap has come into fruition. I guess getting lost out on the road will just be a thing of the past.

The Macworld conference has kicked off today in San Francisco and along with it, so have a great many expectations. Perhaps the greatest expectation is that Apple will announce a new subcompact notebook computer.

Tomorrow is the day when the public gets to find out what Apple has in store for the future, ie. what will be the “next big thing” for the company.

Bloggers and analysts of Apple alike anticipate a subcompact notebook which replaces the traditional hard drive with built-in flash memory to be announced at the conference which is hosting an estimated 50,000 guests.

“What will make this unique is its thinness, a good 50% thinner than existing Mac laptops,” says Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.

“Notebooks are the fastest-growing segment of the computer market. More people are bringing their computers everywhere with them,” added Munster.

Another rumor floating around is that a new version of the iPhone will be announced…one that would run on 3G networks.

It was previously announced that such an iPhone version would be coming this year.
Other hot rumors are that Fox will offer movie rentals via iTunes and that Apple will get behind the Blu-ray high definition DVD format.

Tomorrow will be a holiday of sorts for Apple fans. What do you want to see announced?

Steve Jobs will pump the reality distortion field up to 11 after the Labor Day weekend.

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Put your plastic away and back slowly away from the Genius Bar. Rumor has it that shiny new iPods may be headed for the store displays in a couple of months.

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