Apple "iSlate" tablet patent details are released

Details of Apple's eagerly anticipated new tablet have been released as its patent application hit the public domain.

Thought to be named the iSlate (Apple has revealed it has bought the rights to the iSlate.com domain name) the tablet will be keyboard-less, and is expected to resemble a large iPhone.

Although detailed dimension plans are a little thin on the ground, the Guardian suggested Apple are working on two versions of the iSlate; one with a 10-inch screen and another smaller 7-inch model. As with the iPhone, users will be able to download applications by third-party developers onto the device.

In the patent, some time is devoted to the tablet's touchscreen capabilities with reports users will “be surprised with the way [they] interact with the new tablet”. Delving into the patent Apple Insider discovered Apple will use an “articulating frame” to produce bumps under the screen which will help users find the right keys, rather than dabbing at a totally flat touchscreen.

The patent application stated: “The articulating frame may provide key edge ridges that define the boundaries of the key regions or may provide tactile feedback mechanisms within the key regions. The articulating frame may also be configured to cause concave depressions similar to mechanical key caps in the surface. Preferably, each key edge comprises one to four distinct bars or Braille-like dots.”

Apple is set to make a formal announcement on the iSlate tablet at the end of January.

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