On October 31, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple's latest trademark application for their "AirPlay" logo/Icon under application 85456633. The application which was originally filed last week was filed under International Class 009 which covers such things as mobile phones, tablets, set top boxes, televisions, remote controls and tablets. Apple has also filed for their FaceTime logos in Hong Kong.  

There was a huge uproar this week over the latest IDC report that placed Apple in fifth position for Q3 2011. And while the core argument was pointed out that Samsung's figures weren't based on actual facts concerning their handset number breakout, it was still a bit of an overkill reaction. Market spin has been a long standing practice by the industry in general and isn't limited to IDC. In the current Smartphone wars, market momentum is going to shift between the industry players in a dramatic way every year. And so getting overly excited over a single IDC report isn't worth losing perspective over. True champs don't go whining over a single picture covering a transitional quarter. Keep your eyes on the prize as they say. Just take all the noise in stride.  

A new rumor that is now breaking states that Apple may have acquired a new high-end 3D mapping company that uses true photorealistic visuals which could integrate augmented reality. The company known as C3 Technologies already has the technology running on an iPad that was noted in a February 2011 video demonstration. The technology originated from a Swedish Military spin-off company that used the realtime photorealistic technology on their fighter planes.  

Patently Apple was first to break the news about Apple's granted patent for their "Slide to Unlock" patent this past Tuesday. Considering that it was Apple's second patent win for this feature we didn't think that it would generate much interest. Contrary to our belief, it appears to have stirred up quite the hornet's nest in Taiwan. Yesterday the Premier of Taiwan, Speaking at a weekly Cabinet meeting, stated that he was very concerned about the possible adverse effects of Apple's latest patent victory on Taiwanese companies, particularly those in the smartphone and tablet sectors. I'm glad that they're looking into it and maybe they'll finally realize that copying IP shouldn't be a national practice.   

On October 27, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals a new media tagging system that will be integrated into Apple's iCloud. In some respects portions of what is described in the patent is likely already in place. However, Apple is shown to already want to push iCloud services deeper into the sources of media like radio and TV. They also want to work closely with car and/or car stereo OEMs to integrate their new tagging standard to better tie content to iCloud for the benefit of iOS device customers.  According to Apple's invention specs, iApp Developers will be given design specifications so that current and future apps on iTunes will be able to conform to Apple's new emerging tagging standard. Apple's patent even illustrates a new iTunes UI for iPhone that will integrate media tagging prominently as shown in our cover graphic.  

One of Apple's latest patent applications published this morning indicates that possible changes may be coming to the Nike + iPod program. This originally filed 2010 patent application states that Apple's patent is about the ability of dynamically adjusting a display based on the progress of an event monitored by an iOS device. In particular, it's about dynamically adjusting workout information displayed as a user nears the end of their workout. The new feature comes about due to a new sensing module.  

The year began with news that Apple was working on a new cloud-based safety-deposit box followed by an iTunes Cloud service before it was officially unveiled weeks later. Then in August Apple introduced us to future iCloud based printing services. To round it all out, Patently Apple posted an in-depth special report titled "iCloud: Winds of Change" which discussed how iCloud services would eventually push us into the era of the NC or Network Computer. Something that the naysayers have vehemently claimed would never ever happen. Well, today's patent application as revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Office, interestingly reveals how Apple is using a "librarian Service" on iOS devices to coordinate iCloud services and also create unique user credentials effortlessly. But more interesting perhaps is that the patent reveals that storage in the 1TB range is already on Apple's roadmap – and that certainly paves the way for the Post PC era's entry of the Network Computer – plain and simple.

On October 25, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals their intentions of providing a future version of the iPad with an advanced gesturing-based video editing toolbar. The new toolbar will provide fixed options for starters yet allow for gesture customization by the more advanced user. One of the new tools will interestingly allow for on-video annotations. This is great news for those who love taking videos with iOS devices at home, on the road and especially for business.  

On October 25, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published two trademark applications from Apple covering their latest stylized Cards icon. An application for this was also filed in Canada along with another one for Apple's newly released "Find My Friends" icon which is associated with an iCloud service.  Enclosed is a Jumbo Icon Graphic Supplied by Apple.  

The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 13 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In our first report of the day we covered a new microstrip cellular antenna for use in future Apple products. In our second granted patent report of the day we mainly cover Apple's wins relating to a light sensitive display, their "Slide to Unlock" iOS start screen feature and finally one that relates to Samsung's method for fabricating a semiconductor die package for Apple's iOS Devices.  

The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 13 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. This morning's first granted patent report covers a single knockout patent that has never been revealed before. The patent reveals a next generation microstrip styled cellular antenna that, according to Apple, will be used for future products such as notebooks, a wristwatch and other wearable computers and beyond. It may even be used in covert applications. Yes, another James Bond Classic invention from the Crazy Ones in Cupertino.  

Patently Apple has discovered that Apple Inc has recently acquired thirty-two new patents and/or patent applications covering such matters as playlists, music kiosks and possibly finance, fitness and shopping apps too. The transaction took place earlier this month. The patents hold promise and may even assist Apple in one of their current legal cases. Today's report generally covers the patents that were acquired by Apple and points to a twist in the process of how Apple came across these patents. At the end of the day, our report could have been titled: Apple Acquires Patents: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. You'll see why as you read on.