Just on the heels of Apple’s Smart Home Energy Management System, Apple has gone and filed for a patent to reinvent their ubiquitous iPod line using solar cell technology.

Transparent, or semi-transparent, solar panels would partially cover the device. If one or more of the solar cells are obstructed from light, other panels on the device will kick in to ensure a constant source of power. The device also have a standard battery in times of complete darkness.

The patent expands to the iPod Shuffle, any internet-capable devices, personal organizers and computing systems. I guess that means the Apple tablet too.

Source - GO Media - Written by Jerry James Stone -  Picture source: Patently Apple