Charlie Walton, an inventor who pioneered RFID technology, has reportedly passed away at the age of 89. Walton had worked to develop RFID technology for several decades, receiving his first patent related to the wireless technology in 1973. He eventually amassed more than 50 patents, bringing in royalties to his Sunnyvale, California-based company Proximity Devices.
Apple is allegedly working on several iPhone prototypes that integrate RFID readers, according to Near Field Communications World. The report originated from a "highly reliable source" who contacted Einar Rosenberg, the CTO of Narian Technologies. Although Apple has submitted for several patents involving iPhone RFID, the report claims the technology is likely to be utilized in the next-generation handset.
A variety of Apple patent applications have been newly published by the US Patent and Trademark Office, exposing possibilities the company has been considering for the iPhone and iPod touch. Unusual filings include one for an RFID tag reader, which would be embedded within a handheld's touchscreen, allowing users to scan an RFID tag simply by passing the device over top. An iPod or iPhone could alternately be made to operate as a tag itself, quickly transmitting information such as personal identification.
