iCar Magnetic iPad Mount Patent Could Threaten SoundMan Car ...

With rumors swirling about Apple?s foray into the car space with more iCar innovations, it was recently discovered that Apple had filed for an iPad mount that works via magnets. Similar to how the Smart Covers work in activating the iPad and iPad mini from sleep mode, magnets placed within these mounts would be discrete and serve to hold the tablet in place, even while upside down. The iPad-maker had suggested different use case scenarios for how these mounts would work, and one particular example would be in the automotive space suggesting Apple may be eyeing the telematics industry.

Though this is the first time we?ve seen the patent, which was filed originally in August 2011, the idea has already been implemented. Car enthusiasts who demand custom tablet mounts for their vehicles have been turning to specialty shop CarMan Sound Audio in Southern California to install mounts that would accommodate tablets such as the iPad, iPad mini, Nexus 7, and Surface. With the iPad mini, SoundMan Car Audio had created what the company brands as a ?floating mount? for the iPad mini. SoundMan Car Audio uses the iPad mini?s Smart Cover and extracts Apple?s magnets and installs?them in their mount, which would be custom fitted and installed to different vehicles.

The video below shows SoundMan?s installation of the iPad mini floating mount on a 2010 VW CC. The video was published on November 2, 2012 following the release of the iPad mini in the U.S.

SoundMan Car Audio also sells a kit that DIY?ers can do at home. The float mount is only available for the iPad mini and SoundMan Car Audio offers a custom fitted mount that uses tension and mechanical elements to secure other tablets, including the larger iPad.

With Apple eyeing the telematics space, third-party solutions like those delivered by SoundMan Car Audio and others may be at risk. Apple usually aggressively goes after competitors with patent lawsuits if it feels threatened, and given that Apple?s patent filing date of August 31, 2011, or over a year?in advance of SoundMan Car Audio?s solution, Apple could legally go after anyone who uses this mount method if a patent was granted.

Source: http://www.gottabemobile.com/2013/03/01/apples-icar-ipad-magnetic-mount-patent-could-threaten-soundman-car-audio-solution/

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