Apple patent filing reveals ‘zirconia’ device

Apple has filed yet another patent application referring to a device that appears to combine an iPod and a mobile phone. Apple’s application describes a “tube-like” device made using zirconia and alumina and that would be “cost effective, smaller, lighter, stronger and aesthetically more pleasing than current” designs. Using those materials would result in a “highly scratch-resistant surface,” according to the filing. Bloomberg News notes that zirconia could be used to create cases in a variety of colors, including white, black, navy blue, ivory, brown, dark blue, light blue, platinum and gold.