iPad cover may get its own display

Apple files patent hinting at an iPad Smart Cover display, meaning two work surfaces Display creates ability to use cover for messaging, movies, icon space, drawing and more Display could also include a digital keyboard Filing a patent does not mean the cover will ever become a real product (Mashable) -- A patent application filed by Apple reveals an interesting possible development of iPad's Smart Cover, which may get a display of its own down the road. Mashable.com: The 9 most important tablemysteries of 2012 The application, originally filed in August 2011 and made public Thursday, describes "thin flexible display technology" which can be integrated into the cover. This secondary display, Apple believes, would "greatly enhance" the overall functionality of the tablet. Mashable.com: Facebook stock price drops below $20 The concept opens up a lot of possibilities. The secondary display, as described in Apple's patent application, could simply display notifications related to what's happening on the iPad (the name of the movie currently playing, for example). var currExpandable="expand16"; if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);} var mObj={}; mObj.type='video'; mObj.contentId=''; mObj.source='business/2012/06/28/lake-tablet-wars.cnn'; mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120628045724-lake-tablet-wars-00005927-story-body.jpg"; mObj.lgImageX=300; mObj.lgImageY=169; mObj.origImageX="214"; mObj.origImageY="120"; mObj.contentType='video'; CNN.expElements.expand16Store=mObj; Battle for tablet supremacy It could also be a full-fledged companion to the main screen, sporting a virtual keyboard or another set of application icons. Mashable.com: If the Internet were a galaxy it would look like this Of course, the patent application doesn't mean this concept will ever become a real product, but it's interesting to see that Apple is entertaining the idea. What do you think: Would a secondary display be a useful addition to the Smart Cover? Share your thoughts in the comments. if(typeof CNN.expElements==='object'){CNN.expElements.init();}