The Mac Observer

Apple Patent App Shows 3D Desktop

TMO Talk (2)

A recent patent filing from Apple Inc may offer a glimpse into the company's future plans for Mac OS X, including a three-dimensional Desktop. The revamped interface design could allow for stacked items and offer ways to essentially grab objects that are covered by other icons, and to group objects closer to you or farther back in a virtual 3D workspace.

While some of the interface descriptions look more like today's Desktop, but with virtual walls that extend out to create what looks like the inside of a box, others show more radical interface changes -- including moving the traditional menu bar to a stack, or allowing it to act as a floating element.

Considering Apple's plans to release Mac OS X 10.6 early in 2009, don't expect to see any of these potential interface changes soon. Assuming any of these elements make it past the drawing board, we won't likely see them in action for at least a couple of years.

[Thanks to AppleInsider for the heads up.]

Post A Comment or Log-in. Need an account? Register here.

2 Observer Comments

   Actions iJack said on December 12th, 2008 at 12:56 AM (Edited: 09/26/2011 1:30 PM):

It looks like Stacks, but laid out on the dock, and scrolled through like scrolling back through Time Machine.  I would say that could be a most interesting addition.

   Actions 36Mm Microfilming said on February 19th, 2009 at 6:19 AM (Edited: 02/19/2009 3:18 PM):

Hope this will be interesting for Desktop.

Post A Comment or Log-in. Need an account? Register here.
 

Recent Headlines - Updated February 4th

Fri, 7:27 PM
Product News - Apple Addresses iBooks Textbook Issues with App Update
7:08 PM
News - Apple Rolls Out Updated Snow Leopard Security Fix
5:39 PM
Particle Debris - If Only Selling High Tech Were Easy
5:30 PM
Free on iTunes - 3 Free Panorama Apps for iPhone
5:23 PM
News - Tim Cook Touts Apple Charity in Employee Meeting
4:26 PM
News - Apple Clarifies iBooks Author EULA, Excludes Claim on Content
3:43 PM
Apple Stock Watch - Analyst: Apple Comfy With High End Smartphones & Other Notes
2:10 PM
Quick Look Review - AirPort Utility 6 for Lion is for Beginners
1:32 PM
Deal Brothers - 15” MacBook Pro 2.2GHz Quad-Core Intel i7:  $1,699
10:55 AM
News - Germany Overturns Injunction, Apple Resumes iPhone Sales
10:25 AM
Hot Forum Topic - Reader Discussion: Apple, iPhones & NFC
9:47 AM
News - German Court Gives Motorola iCloud Injunction
 

The Mac Observer Reader Specials

  • TypeStyler 11 is now in the Mac App Store!! -- Special Introductory Price of $59.95!! -- To Buy From The Mac App Store Click Here Now!! Or buy direct from Strider Software.
  • Mac RAM Upgrades: MacBook Pro 16GB kits $475, 8GB Kits for $119.99! iMac 16GB RAM Kits (4x 4GB) for $229.99! Mac Pro Memory 32GB Kit for $399.99, 64GB Kit for $889.99! Mac Hard Drives 2TB Seagate SATA II for $249.99! Click Here!
  • Poker Mac If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Online Poker Mac. This mac poker and online casino mac site actually does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!

Apple Stock Quote (AAPL)

Loading...

Hot Topics

TMO Express

Join the TMO Express Daily Newsletter to get the latest Mac headlines in your e-mail every weekday. Find out more!

Top Deals From DealBrothers.com

Recent Features

Support The Mac Observer

We noticed you may be running AdBlock on your computer. It takes real money to run this site and to deliver the news, tips, and opinions you love to read.

If you wish to block the ads that pay for the creation of our content, we ask that you instead support TMO Directly, either with a $5 monthly recurring contribution, or a one-time donation of any amount of your choice. Thanks!

Subscribe with Paypal Donate with Paypal