MacBook Air 2014 Rumors: Apple's Upcoming Portable Laptop Tipped To Get Touchscreen, But Not On The Device's Display

MacBook Air 2014 rumors: Apple's well loved Macbook Air lineup is the pioneer when it comes to ultraportable laptops, or also known ultrabooks. But Apple's stunning and sleek design has always been at the top when it comes to laptops, particularly the Air and Pro lineups. 

However, it looks like the Cupertino company once more wants to innovate and take risks in developing the new Macbook Air 2014. 

According to a recent report by BGR, an Apple patent made in October 2012 was published by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which describes a 'multi-functional keyboard' that would allow each key to use advanced functions aside from its usual function (e.g. alphanumeric). 

Aside from the multi-functional keys, there would also be a touch-friendly display on the keyboard that would support other gestures just like what the current MacBook trackpad is doing. 

In the patent application, Apple wrote:

"For instance, besides being configured with an first independent input component for providing a specific first input to an electronic device when pressed by a user, a multi-functional keystack can include a second independent input component that can provide a second distinct input to the electronic device and/or an independent output component that can provide an independent visual feedback to the user." 

This just means any individual key can contain additional details or functions which can only be triggered in a particular situation. In the report, these keys could even get its own display or sensors which would give them a capacitive surface similar to touchscreens. 

Haptic feedback can also be employed when 'swiping' through the keyboard in order to give the user a sense of knowing that s/he has already passed through a particular key that would complete the function. 

Apple's WWDC event is in June, and we expect some updates regarding this technology when it provides more details about the upcoming MacBooks.