A recently released patent by Apple shows that they are one of several companies dabbling with the idea of a 3D mulitouch interface. In this case, a "touch screen device, method and graphical user interface for manipulating three-dimensional virtual objects."

Will we see this sort of technology on upcoming Apple products like the tablet? Probably not, but it is interesting to point out that Apple went to some lengths to "disguise" the patent under the names of three obscure French employees. That might be business as usual for Apple, but it could also mean that they are serious about moving beyond standard pinching and zooming. [Baltimore Sun]