Apple Working On Advanced Antennas for Macbooks?

In case you haven’t noticed, Apple acquires new patents in bunches on a frequent basis. While not all the ideas in these patents get implemented, some do. A recent series of patents published on Patently Apple suggests that Apple may be working towards revamping its Macbook product line (possibly opening the door for 4G Macbooks):

Apple’s antenna system would be ideal for a Telephonic MacBook or some form of MacBook Tablet combination. Yet it’s the Telephonic MacBook that still remains the favorite for the adoption of this proposed antenna system – especially for when MacBooks leap to LTE or 4G wireless technology sometime in 2012. These next generation wireless networks are geared for heavy data/internet traffic in contrast to today’s voice based networks like 3G.

We have been hearing rumors about Apple working towards marrying the iPad and its Macbooks. This hybrid device will be as portable as tablets and will still offer an experience familiar to Macbook fans. Of course, the company is not stopping there. Apparently, it has plans to bring a smart-shoe system to the market to help athletes protect themselves against injuries.

The smart shoe is a pretty neat idea. It can alert athletes when it is time for them to change their pair before putting unnecessary stress on their feet.

As a shoe wears, physical support provided by the shoe decreases, thereby reducing associated protection from injury. When a critical wear level is reached, even if the shoe looks like it is not particularly worn, the shoe may not provide adequate support and may in fact, cause damage to feet. Apple’s patent provides a solution to monitor the wear and tear of a particular type of sporting footwear.

Unfortunately, not all these ideas will get implemented. For instance, we are still waiting for solar iOS devices but they will most likely debut a few years from now. Apple won’t stop innovating though.