Way back in 2007, Apple filed a ton of patent applications for 3D interfaces for computing. These patents were published today and bring light to some pretty interesting details.
When Apple introduced Leopard, a faux 3D dock came along with it. These patents build on that idea, giving the desktop depth. The idea basically takes your standard concept of the desktop and gives it layers. This is similar to the way Photoshop works, only that the layers have perspective so they look pretty in 3D. This gives the desktop that box-like look.
I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to this because it would look amazing. The only problem I see is that it would be one of those look-what-my-computer-can-do type of things, instead of it being truly useful. This is essentially the way that Mac OS X already functions, except with visual depth. I’m not sure how many users would get real utility from this. Personally, I use nearly all of my applications maximized, so I wouldn’t see the depth, anyway. In fact, I barely see my desktop, ever. Nevertheless, I’d rather have more features now and find uses for them later, then need features that aren’t available. In time, perhaps this would make itself invaluable.
I just don't see the functionality in this kind of things. Eyecandy is always welcome 'til one of two things happens: A. It becomes annoying for work or B. It slows down the system.
I think is just messy, and that it won't be used in OS X at least for now (including Snow Leopard).
Can you say "Microsoft Bob"?
Apple wouldn't release a messy OS, so I'm guessing they've either got some clean implementation or we'd never see. Not all of their patents come to fruition, after all.
I think I may have to sue them, though. Judging from the image above, they obviously stole this interface from my shoebox caveman diorama from the grade school science fair.