November 30, 2006 3:30 PM PST

Apple files for patent on zirconia iPhone

Ah, cubic zirconia. How would underpaid journalists get married without it?

(Credit: hrmpf.com)

In August, Apple filed for a patent that would protect the use of zirconia as a casing material for a number of wireless handhelds, including a certain still-unannounced-but-geez-where-is-it product: the iPhone.

Apparently, zirconia is a good material for any small device that needs to transmit radio frequency signals--like cell phones--in that it is strong enough to protect the internal components but wireless signals can still easily pass through, according to Apple's patent filing, disclosed Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and spotted by numerous Apple watchers.

Zirconia is also used to make fake diamonds and costume jewelry, the likes of which can be seen on any television shopping channel in seemingly endless rotation. Apple doesn't mention it in its filing, but couldn't this also allow for a bling-studded iPod for less than 200 bucks?

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 8 comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ooh, shiny!
by ltrouten November 30, 2006 6:48 PM PST
I bet it won't e long until we see the full on diamond studded iPhone, like the gold Razr and other little toys for the elitist greed.
Reply to this comment
Ooh, shiny!
by ltrouten November 30, 2006 6:48 PM PST
I bet it won't e long until we see the full on diamond studded iPhone, like the gold Razr and other little toys for the elitist greed.
Reply to this comment
iPhone? really?
by blanquistador December 1, 2006 12:22 AM PST
It seems like the patent hints more toward a wi-fi capable iPod. It wouldn't be incomprehensible for Apple to include file sharing features (a la Zune) or bluetooth (for file transfers and/or wireless headphones). I think Microsoft knew that they wouldn't be able to compete with iPod, but they released their technology hoping to create a the market trend. Apple seems the most capable candidate to successfully (in terms of mainstream acceptance) marry wi-fi and media players. But yeah, sure...this casing material could also be used in an iPhone.
Reply to this comment
iPhone? really?
by blanquistador December 1, 2006 12:22 AM PST
It seems like the patent hints more toward a wi-fi capable iPod. It wouldn't be incomprehensible for Apple to include file sharing features (a la Zune) or bluetooth (for file transfers and/or wireless headphones). I think Microsoft knew that they wouldn't be able to compete with iPod, but they released their technology hoping to create a the market trend. Apple seems the most capable candidate to successfully (in terms of mainstream acceptance) marry wi-fi and media players. But yeah, sure...this casing material could also be used in an iPhone.
Reply to this comment
iPhone? Nah!
by rosscbrown December 1, 2006 12:28 PM PST
More like an iPod with Wi-Fi
Reply to this comment
iPhone? Nah!
by rosscbrown December 1, 2006 12:28 PM PST
More like an iPod with Wi-Fi
Reply to this comment
Can it get any more ridiculous?
by Ryo Hazuki December 2, 2006 8:13 AM PST
Philling a patent for a type of material for casing... Thank God Apple can't patent plastic or the numberpads in mobile phones...
Reply to this comment
Can it get any more ridiculous?
by Ryo Hazuki December 2, 2006 8:13 AM PST
Philling a patent for a type of material for casing... Thank God Apple can't patent plastic or the numberpads in mobile phones...
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