Unrealised Tech: Five Futuristic Inventions That Were Patented but Never Produced

Unrealised Tech: Five Futuristic Inventions That Were Patented but Never Produced

From self-adjusting screens to floating cameras, here are the visionary gadgets that didn’t make it past the patent stage

As tech giants like Apple and Samsung continue to churn out incremental upgrades, it can sometimes feel like the boundaries of innovation have been pushed to their limits. However, a closer look at patents reveals that within these companies, engineers are still dreaming up groundbreaking devices, many of which have yet to make it to market.

Tech website SimpleGhar sifted through patent databases, uncovering five fascinating technologies that, despite their potential, were never brought to life. These concepts, ranging from retractable iPhone screen protectors to smart contact lenses, demonstrate that true innovation is still bubbling beneath the surface of mainstream tech.

Apple’s iShield
Apple’s proposed iShield aimed to protect iPhones’ fragile screens from damage by deploying retractable screen protectors during a fall. The idea was to create a gap between the screen and the surface it hits, reducing the impact and potentially saving the device from costly repairs. While a brilliant concept, the complex design and the presence of exposed moving parts clashed with Apple’s commitment to sleek and minimalist aesthetics. Additionally, with AppleCare already covering damages, it’s no surprise the device never made it past the drawing board.

Facebook’s Levitating Camera
Meta’s (formerly Facebook) levitating camera concept sounded like something straight out of a science fiction film. The idea was to create a webcam that could float and follow a user’s face during video calls, utilising electromagnets to eliminate shakiness and provide greater freedom of movement. While this would have been a great step forward in improving the video call experience, the prospect of a privacy-invading device constantly tracking movements may not have been met with much enthusiasm. Meta’s more recent shift towards virtual reality has also shifted its focus from physical hardware innovations to the metaverse, making this floating camera seem less of a priority.

Google’s Virtual Hand Keyboard
Building on the now-defunct Google Glass project, Google proposed a virtual hand keyboard that would allow users to type on their hand rather than a screen. This concept, which envisioned augmented reality (AR) technology as an input device, was designed to bring a futuristic approach to text entry. However, the idea of typing on a projected keyboard may be limited in today’s world, where smartphones offer far more practical and diverse capabilities. The technology for a seamless AR experience simply isn’t quite ready for mass adoption, and users seem content with their existing devices.

Samsung’s Smart Contact Lens
Samsung imagined a pair of smart contact lenses capable of projecting virtual screens, capturing photos, and even sending visual data to a connected device. These lenses, designed to function like tiny computers, would have revolutionised the way we interact with technology. However, challenges such as durability, power consumption, and comfort have made the concept far too ambitious for now. While virtual reality and augmented reality are expected to become the next big technological advancements, the technology required to support such features in contact lenses simply doesn’t exist yet. However, advancements like Apple’s waterproof Apple Watch Ultra and LG’s rollable TV suggest that we may one day see similar innovations become reality.

Ford’s Motorised Unicycle
Ford engineers envisioned a motorised unicycle that could be stored in the boot of a car and used to navigate through traffic. The idea was to create a vehicle that combined the benefits of a car with the agility of a small motorbike, making it easier for drivers to park on the outskirts of congested city centres and then quickly manoeuvre through traffic. Although innovative, the practicality of such a device would raise several questions: Would the unicycle be too heavy? How would it affect car insurance policies? And how often would the unicycle’s tyres need to be replaced due to wear and tear? Despite these concerns, it’s easy to imagine Batman or Iron Man being proud of this futuristic invention.

Seven-Year-Old Dies After Scorpion Sting Causes Multiple Cardiac Arrests in Brazil

Seven-Year-Old Dies After Scorpion Sting Causes Multiple Cardiac Arrests in Brazil

A Brazilian yellow scorpion, responsible for thousands of deaths, kills young boy after venomous sting while putting on his shoe

A seven-year-old boy in Brazil tragically died after suffering seven cardiac arrests following a venomous sting from a Brazilian yellow scorpion, one of the most dangerous species in the world. Luiz Miguel Furtado Barbosa passed away on October 25, two days after the attack, which occurred while he was preparing to go on a camping trip with his family in Anhembi, São Paulo state.

The incident unfolded on the morning of October 23, when Luiz Miguel, excited about the trip, was putting on his shoes when he was stung. His mother, Angelita Proença Furtado, described the moment, saying, “As soon as he put on his shoe, he screamed in pain. We couldn’t immediately identify what had stung him, but his leg began to redden, and he reported that the pain was spreading.”

The family searched frantically for the source of the sting and, five minutes later, discovered the yellow scorpion. They quickly rushed Luiz Miguel to Hospital das Clínicas de Botucatu, where scorpion antivenom was available. However, at the hospital, the boy suffered multiple cardiac arrests, and doctors informed his parents that recovery was unlikely.

After four cardiac arrests, Luiz Miguel’s parents lost hope, with his mother recalling a heartbreaking moment when she prayed over her son, saying, “When I entered the room, I placed my hand on his head and gave him with all my heart to his true owner. I said: Lord, he’s yours! Take him with you and take care of him.”

The following day, Luiz Miguel showed signs of improvement, briefly opening his eyes and trying to speak. However, his condition worsened again, and he suffered three more cardiac arrests before passing away on October 25.

The boy’s mother reflected on her son’s sudden and tragic death, remembering how he was full of energy and enthusiasm for life. “He seemed to want to experience everything in a single day,” she said, adding that now she believes he was in a hurry to live.

The death of Luiz Miguel prompted a three-day official mourning period declared by Anhembi city council, who also shared a condolence message on Instagram. Scorpion stings, especially from the Brazilian yellow scorpion, are a serious public health issue in the country. Since 2000, the number of reported incidents involving this species has increased tenfold, with 156,000 cases recorded in 2018, according to Brazil’s health ministry.

The Brazilian yellow scorpion, or Tityus serrulatus, is known for its highly toxic venom and its ability to reproduce asexually, which has contributed to the rapid rise in scorpion populations. The species is found in urban areas, including homes, schools, supermarkets, and even the Brazilian Senate. The growing population has been linked to climate change, with warmer and wetter conditions providing an ideal habitat for the scorpions.

Migrants Relocated from Overcrowded Manston Centre Amid Growing Concerns

Migrants Relocated from Overcrowded Manston Centre Amid Growing Concerns

Union and Charities Urge Immediate Action as Overcrowding and Staff Pressure Escalate

Migrants have begun to be relocated from the overcrowded Manston immigration processing centre, following mounting concerns over its capacity and conditions. Two coaches were seen departing the site on Tuesday afternoon, each seemingly packed with people. Another coach arrived shortly afterwards. However, it remains unclear where the displaced individuals are being taken, with potential destinations including hotels or alternative accommodation.

The facility, originally set up in January 2022 at a former Ministry of Defence fire training centre, was designed to accommodate no more than 1,600 people for short stays of up to 24 hours. Yet, by Monday, the number of people at the site had surged to 4,000, prompting serious concerns about overcrowding and living conditions. Conservative MP for North Thanet, Sir Roger Gale, acknowledged the relocation of “several hundred” people as part of ongoing efforts to manage the situation.

Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, confirmed on Tuesday evening that the number of migrants at Manston had “fallen substantially” and assured that, unless there was a sudden increase in small boat arrivals, numbers would continue to decrease. He stressed the importance of returning the site to a sustainable operating model.

However, Lucy Moreton, from the Union for Borders, Immigration and Customs (ISU), highlighted that staffing pressures were yet to be alleviated. Despite requests for additional support, including better mental health services for staff, the Home Office had not responded, leaving workers concerned about their wellbeing and the legal implications of their instructions.

Charities, including the British Red Cross, have also expressed grave concern about the conditions at the site. Alex Fraser, the charity’s director for refugee services, stressed the urgent need for immediate action to ensure the safety and dignity of those at Manston. He emphasised that overcrowding put migrants at risk of disease and further trauma, adding that it reflected wider issues in the UK’s asylum system.

Fraser called for an overhaul of the asylum process, urging the Government to expedite decisions for nationalities with high approval rates and expand safe routes to prevent dangerous journeys. He added that the UK’s history of helping those fleeing war and persecution should ensure that everyone arriving on British shores is treated with compassion.

Meanwhile, the Home Office maintained that it was committed to the welfare of both migrants and staff, and was working to address the situation.

Tottenham Player Ratings vs Marseille: Hojbjerg and Bentancur Shine in Dramatic 2-1 Win

Tottenham Player Ratings vs Marseille: Hojbjerg and Bentancur Shine in Dramatic 2-1 Win

Spurs Seal Top Spot in Group with Last-Minute Victory, But Some Players Struggle

Tottenham secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages as group winners with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Marseille. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s last-minute strike capped a dramatic finish that sent Spurs through to the last 16 and eliminated the French side.

The match got off to a difficult start for Antonio Conte’s men, as Chancel Mbemba’s header in first-half stoppage time gave Marseille a deserved lead. However, Spurs fought back after the break, and Clement Lenglet equalised with a well-taken header from an Ivan Perisic free-kick.

The game ended in an intense final few minutes, with Hojbjerg striking the crossbar and Saed Kolasinac heading wide from close range. In the dying seconds, Hojbjerg was on hand to score the winner, sending Spurs through in dramatic fashion.

Player Ratings:

Hugo Lloris (7): Pulled off a superb save to deny Jordan Veretout but could do nothing about Mbemba’s header.

Eric Dier (7): Not entirely comfortable in a new right-sided role in the back three, but he was key in Spurs’ defensive efforts during the second half.

Clement Lenglet (7): Struggled defensively at times but made a vital contribution at the other end with a fine equaliser.

Ben Davies (7): Although he didn’t provide much support for Perisic on the left, Davies was solid defensively and made crucial interventions.

Ryan Sessegnon (3): Struggled to adapt when moved to right wing-back and was unable to contain Nuno Tavares, leading to his substitution at half-time.

Rodrigo Bentancur (8): Composed on the ball and tireless in his efforts, Bentancur has been Tottenham’s standout player for some time, though his final ball was occasionally off.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (8): Despite missing a golden chance to win the game earlier, Hojbjerg redeemed himself with a dramatic late winner. His leadership was crucial throughout the match.

Ivan Perisic (6): Delivered the perfect free-kick for the equaliser, but has otherwise underperformed recently. His set-piece ability remains a valuable asset.

Lucas Moura (4): A disappointing performance from the Brazilian, who struggled with the ball and was often out of sync with his teammates.

Heung-min Son (5): Forced off with a head injury early in the first half, limiting his impact on the match.

Harry Kane (7): Was isolated upfront for much of the game, especially after Son’s departure. He showed more threat in the second half and played a key role in Hojbjerg’s winner.

Substitutes:

Yves Bissouma (7, for Son, 29′): A solid performance in the second half, winning tackles and maintaining possession well.

Emerson Royal (7, for Sessegnon, 45′): Brought balance to the right flank and was steady in possession, although not particularly inspiring.

Oliver Skipp (6, for Bentancur, 84′): Worked hard in the closing stages, winning the ball that led to the winning goal.

Bryan Gil (N/A, for Lucas, 90′): Came on too late to make an impact.

Not used: Forster, Austin, Doherty, Sanchez, Spence, Tanganga, Sarr, White.

The win ensures Tottenham finish top of Group D, securing their place in the knockout rounds. Despite the dramatic ending, there were notable struggles for some of the Spurs players, particularly Lucas and Sessegnon, though Hojbjerg and Bentancur’s performances helped drag the team through.

Liverpool Triumphs Over Napoli 2-0 in Champions League as Salah Equals Gerrard’s Record

Liverpool Triumphs Over Napoli 2-0 in Champions League as Salah Equals Gerrard’s Record

Mohamed Salah’s Late Goal Secures Win for Liverpool, While Nunez Adds a Second in Final Moments

Mohamed Salah matched Steven Gerrard’s record for European goals at Anfield with his crucial 85th-minute strike, helping Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory over Napoli in the Champions League. The win came after a determined second-half performance, with Salah’s follow-up goal proving pivotal. His 41st European goal, scored in his 64th Champions League appearance, equalled Gerrard’s tally of 18 Champions League goals at Anfield.

The goal came after a dramatic moment in the 85th minute, when Napoli’s goalkeeper Alex Meret kept a header from Darwin Nunez from crossing the line. Salah was quick to react, forcing the ball into the net and giving Liverpool the lead. Nunez later added a second goal in the dying seconds, with VAR overturning an offside decision to confirm his strike after a Virgil van Dijk header had been spilled by Meret.

Although the match had little at stake for Napoli, who had already secured top spot in Group A, it offered Liverpool a much-needed confidence boost following a disappointing start to their group campaign, which had included a heavy 4-1 loss in Naples. Jurgen Klopp’s side had already qualified for the knockout stage before the match, but the victory allowed them to end the group stage on a positive note.

Despite the win, there were concerns for Liverpool, as James Milner was forced off with an injury, leaving the team short of resources in the midfield. However, the return of Ibrahima Konate to the defensive lineup, replacing Joe Gomez, was a positive. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk appeared to offer better stability, especially in light of recent defensive struggles.

The first half of the match was largely uneventful, with Liverpool failing to create clear-cut chances. Curtis Jones missed an opportunity, firing over the bar after a tight-angle attempt, and later heading wide from a Roberto Firmino flick. Napoli’s winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, posed the biggest threat with his runs, but Liverpool’s defence held firm.

In the second half, Napoli had a chance to take the lead when Leo Ostigard appeared to score from a free-kick, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside after a three-minute review. Liverpool, meanwhile, struggled to convert chances, with Salah missing a close-range volley before finally finding the net in the 85th minute. Nunez then sealed the win with a goal at the death.

The victory marked a positive end to a difficult group stage for Liverpool, who will now turn their attention to their Premier League campaign. Klopp’s side has struggled in recent weeks, and their next challenge comes against Tottenham in London, where they will hope to find form in the league after a difficult start.