Apple mulled mouse design with rotary dial
January 14, 2006 at 02:00pm EST
In the course of AppleInsider's proprietary investigation into the iPod Hi-Fi and iPod Boombox trademarks, it came upon a patent filed overseas for a unique mouse design that sports a rotary dial.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/06/01/14/apple_mulled_mouse_design_with_rotary_dial.html

Next-gen Apple mouse may dump scroll ball for touch housing
April 12, 2007 at 11:00am EST
One of the Apple fellows behind the company's multi-touch iPhone interface has shifted his attention to a next-generation mouse design that will forego the use of buttons or a scroll ball in favor of a touch-sensitive housing, a recent company filing has revealed.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/04/12/next_gen_apple_mouse_may_dump_scroll_ball_for_touch_housing.html

Apple files for second force-sensitive display patent
October 11, 2007 at 01:00pm EST
If a recent series of patent filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office is of any indication, Apple Inc. as early as next year could add force-sensitive detection to the repertoire of its fledgling multi-touch platform, AppleInsider believes.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/10/11/apple_files_for_second_force_sensitive_display_patent.html

Apple exploring pressure-sensitive touchscreens, touchpads
October 05, 2007 at 12:00am EST
Seeking to improve its portable devices, Apple has applied for a patent that could lead to touch-sensitive Macs or handhelds which react to the level of force, rather than just contact.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/10/05/apple_exploring_pressure_sensitive_touchscreens_touchpads.html

Apple developing "mechanical overlay" touch interface
November 16, 2006 at 09:00pm EST
Inside its Cupertino, Calif.-based design labs, Apple Computer has been developing a multipurpose touch interface, similar to a track pad, on top of which users could place several alternative types of hot-swappable mechanical control interfaces, a recent patent filing has revealed.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/06/11/16/apple_developing_mechanical_overlay_touch_interface.html

Apple files for external audio blending, wide touchpad patents
August 09, 2007 at 10:25am EST
Apple Inc. is looking to patent a software technique that would give iPod listeners access to critical external audio sounds -- such as airline announcements -- without having to remove their earbuds or pause their music. Separately, the company has also filed for continuation patent on a wide notebook touchpad that incorporates advanced touch control features.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/08/09/apple_files_for_external_audio_blending_wide_touchpad_patents.html