Apple patents a keyboard-less Force Touch Macbook

Ever since the beginning of last year, Apple has been starting to replace their manual clicking trackpads in their Macbook models with a new one that doesn't click called Force Touch. Now, it looks like Apple could do the same thing, but with the keyboards.

Apple has recently published a patent that describes a new "force-sensitive input structure for electronic devices." Just like with the trackpad, the keyboard would be a flat metal or glass surface with sensors underneath that could tell where you're pressing the keys and how hard you're pressing them. Additionally, the layout of the keyboard could be re-arranged and/or reconfigured to be optimized to what you're doing.

Furthermore, Apple notes that removing the small moving keys in the keyboard would reduce the risk of breaking the laptop. There could also be "micro-perforations" in the design that would allow light to shine through to outline the keys. Interestingly, this design could use a lot less battery than a full-sized touchscreen.

While this may seem a bit far stretched, it might not be that far away, as Apple is always looking for ways to eliminate as many physical buttons and ports to offer a thinner and simpler design of their products. A Macbook that doesn't have a keyboard is a step towards that direction.

Again, with most Apple patents, there isn't a set guarantee that it will officially happen, but it is interesting to see what the future could hold for the Macbook's.

Via: | TechnoBuffalo |

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Source: | USPTO |

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Image Credit: | TechnoBuffalo |

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