Apple Patent Shows Touchscreen iMac May Be Launching
Apple has been doing a fantastic job at launching revolutionary products over the last decade. Everything from the first iPod, to the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2. We're not only going to be seeing a new iPhone and iPad this year, but we may be seeing a nice refresh done to the ever popular iMac desktop computer as well.
According to a new patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark office, Apple has submitted a document which appears to be for a desktop computer with a set of turn knobs which seem to be from a sound or audio mixing type of function. Allowing the user to adjust the "Delay", "Attack Time" and "Hold Time" as the example shows above. The knobs will show the total value of the setting in a slider underneath the knobs. These knobs are not physical, but rather virtual on screen knobs with the description of "Decrease <-------> Increase" shown below. That illustrates to us the type of action required to adjust or change the settings, by sliding ones finger left or right.
Touchscreen iMacs would definately add value to many, especially those who have ever tried to adjust images or audio on an iPad. While the apps to perform these functions are built flawlessly, the limitation comes in the size of the iPad's touchscreen versus the size of one's finger. Having a larger desktop touchscreen in a 27" - 32" size would make using touchscreen editing much more controlled and precise.
Source - PatentlyApple
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