Apple Computer has applied for a patent on several methods of applying gestures to touch-sensitive input devices, possibly implying a touchpad- or touchscreen-enabled product is in the company"s future.
The company"s patent, "Gestures for touch sensitive input devices," features a large illustration of a hand making the "dialing" motion that controls an iPod on a large, blank display. The patent describes several methods for inputting touch commands, including the implementation of floating controls as well as the method of turning a virtual page, such as in an electronic book.