Apple may go solar with the MacBook or even the iPhone. New reports reveal that even its much-awaited iWatch could sport alternative charging methods and battery technology.
The New York Times reported Sunday that Apple might use inductive charging, solar charging and a curved glass display on the iWatch. The company has filed for trademark paperwork in several countries, but there might have been hiccups in the development of the device, including issues with manufacturing, display technology and battery.
"For its wristwatch, Apple has been testing a method to charge the battery wirelessly with magnetic induction, according to a person briefed on the product. A similar technology is already used in some Nokia smartphones - when a phone is placed on a charging plate, an electrical current creates a magnetic field, which creates voltage that powers the phone," the New York Times' report read.
Nokia's charging plate works for gadgets that makes use of five watts or less. The device is perfect for smartphones and can definitely work well with the smartwatches that might demand less energy.
The Times' sources also hinted that solar power might be tapped by Apple for the iWatch.
"The watch is expected to have a curved glass screen, and one idea is to add a solar-charging layer to that screen, which would give power to the device in daylight, they said," the report added.
Based on the same report, the wearable device is also seen to make use of movement as its method of juicing up. This is nothing new, as modern watches already make use of such technology, but of course the iWatch might consume more power due to its components and expected features.
Apple could also tap into one of its patents to make magnetic induction a reality for its iWatch and other products. In 2011, Apple applied for a patent that suggests it will utilize printed coils to harness power and help extend battery life. A similar patent, if not a mirror patent, was filed by the company in 2012. The company also holds a patent for charging devices that make use of near field magnetic resonance technology.
Just like anything about the iWatch, everything is speculation. It will be a wait and see game until the production version is unwrapped by Apple.
