A new Apple patent reveals a technology that would help solve the annoying problem that can occur when you have tons of windows open on your desktop. This patent would help rid your screen of “window overlay” by using a gradual window transparency with windows that have manipulative qualities. To show one example, the patent reads, “For example, a floating window that has not been updated with new information within a predetermined time period will become translucent so that the underlying window or windows are then visible to the user.” Furthermore, this transparency could happen in steps and get more translucent as time goes on and information isn’t updated.
The whole point of this, according to the patent, is that by “applying graduated visual translucency, as well as manipulative translucency, a user is able to receive the benefits of an information-bearing floating window without having to move the floating window to reach underlying content.” This sounds like awesome technology to me, as I often have many windows open on my desktop. Although Expose and tabbed browsing can really help sort through the clutter, this would make it even easier. Hey, maybe Snow Leopard will get some cool new features after all…
Via [AppleInsider]
They must've had this in mind for quite some time, considering the image above shows Mac OS 9 (or earlier) with a March 30, 1998 date clearly visible.