Apple files for WebKit browser trademark

WebKit, the open-source project behind Apple's Safari browser, is a pretty obscure name to ordinary folks. And perhaps Apple wants to keep it that way, judging by Apple's May 18 WebKit trademark application. WebKit got its start from the open-source KHTML engine for the KDE project's Konqueror browser. (KDE is a user interface software that puts a nicer graphical face on Linux.) Apple brought the project to a wider audience with the Safari browser for Mac OS X, and now Google is doing the same with its Chrome and Android browsers, both also based on WebKit.In addition, Palm's new phones use a WebKit variant, and of course Hewlett-Packard now owns that particular work. And Research In Motion is working on a WebKit-based browser for its BlackBerry devices. So it's clear WebKit has attracted a lot of interest.It seems improbable that Apple has big plans for introducing WebKit as a brand to the world at large--Safari does that job fine. But perhaps the company wants to head off any issues that might result if another WebKit user does try that.Apple declined to comment for this story.Via Haavard

Apple files for trademark for new notification icon

Apple earlier this week filed a trademark application in Europe requesting ownership of an icon, presumably designed for iOS, that would allow it to show communications applications with pending notices in a single pane. An art example in the application shows a black box listing "Mail," "Calendar," and "SMS," with Apple's familiar numbered circles, indicating pending notifications.Patently Apple was first to report on the trademark application.Related storiesApple patent pitch hints at 3D imaging on iPhone, iPadCNET's review of the Apple iPhone 4SCNET's review of the new Apple iPad Patently Apple also recently reported on a patent application that Apple has filed in the U.S.The application describes a method for users to snap an image with multiple cameras built into the iPhone and iPad, and then view that image in 3D on the device. It also comes with facial-gesture recognition that can detect smiling, grimacing, and frowning. Correction 9:16 a.m. PT:An earlier version of this story and its headline misidentified the type of application that Apple has applied for in Europe. It is a trademark application.