Apple has filed for a patent for a new iPad Smart Cover which would feature an additional screen that can display notifications and be used for other tasks.

The filing, registered with the US Patent Office details next-generation technology for the Smart Cover, which not only protects the screen of the iPad, but which is also capable of waking the device when removed.

Embedding a smaller, second, screen in the Smart Cover would allow for the display of new notifications used for accessing media controls.

The patent filing also suggests that the entire cover surface could be used as a keyboard, similarly to that of Microsoft’s Surface tablets.

A cover of this sort could prove a popular selling point in the increasingly competitive tablet market. As the patent filing notes: “Adding the integrated display to the flexible cover greatly enhances the overall functionality of the tablet device.”

It indicates that the secondary display would connect to the iPad via the magnetic grips, and then draw data through from the tablet and could either share power with the iPad or use solar power.

 

[Engadget]

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