Apple's iPad tablet computers are popular with millions of users - in the second quarter of 2012 alone, more than 17 million such devices were sold worldwide. Despite the clear success, the tablet manufacturer continues to improve them - in particular, Apple patented the cover for this device with an additional screen.
The screen of any computer, especially a tablet, is its most vulnerable spot. Realizing this perfectly, Apple specialists came up with an original folding cover-cover that can not only protect the screen during transportation, but also act as a stand. You can see how it works online on the company's website by opening the iPad Smart Cover page. By dragging the device cover on the page with the mouse, you can expand and collapse it.
The magnetic lid is very simple and reliable, it can be attached to the tablet in a matter of seconds. Nevertheless, the company's specialists decided to endow it with new functions. The result was the appearance of an additional screen in it. The new development will allow the cover of the gadget to be used as a touch keyboard or remote control for multimedia playback. It's fair to say that a similar solution has already been used by Microsoft in its Surface tablet, which is sold with a Touch Cover. By embedding the screen in Smart Cover, Apple hopes to squeeze out Microsoft's tablets.
The ability to integrate a screen into a roll-up cover appeared after the development of technology for the production of a thin flexible display. The new display will support touch control, you can write on it with a stylus. What you write will immediately be displayed on the screen. It is not yet entirely clear how the new cover will connect to the tablet - via wireless, wired or dedicated connectors. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. In any case, the screen will clearly add functionality to the tablet, make it more convenient to work - for example, when entering text. At the same time, some experts say that the option offered by Microsoft is much more convenient for the user. Unlike on-screen keyboards, the keys on the keyboard cover are finger-sensitive, allowing for blind typing. It is very difficult to type texts in this way on the on-screen keyboard. Time will tell whether Apple's new enhancement will gain popularity among users.
