5 Apple Patents To Be Excited About

Apple is one of many companies that patent a whole bunch of new ideas each year. The company was granted over 500 patents in 2010. While not all these ideas get implemented, here are 5 Apple patents that we’d like to see realized.

Solar iPhones, iPads: developing a solar powered smart-phone is easier said than done. There are many challenges to get such a device to work smoothly. This patent by Apple proves the company is interested in making its devices even more eco-friendly.

Touchscreen iMac: Apple has a patent on a hybrid computer that will have both Mac OS and iOS installed on it. When such a device will be released? Hopefully sometime in 2012.

App Sharing: wouldn’t it be nice if we all could share our favorite apps with our friends and acquaintances for a test drive? Apple has that planned too (credit Patently Apple).

iBike: Nike+ system is already a very popular item among those who run to stay fit. This bike is based on a similar concept and would keep track of riders’ activities at all times.

Lens for iPhone: while you can already buy lenses for your iPhone from third-party retailers, Apple seems to be planning to enhance iPhone’s camera dramatically in the future with accessories and potential lenses.

[Images via Patently Apple, uspto.gov]