

The Apple patent, which includes images that still bear Kodak’s branding on technical drawings representing the system it describes, describes a system with multiple camera sensors to cover multiple angles, and to provide coverage in multiple directions. The camera also includes multiple threaded mounting points, which can be used with tripods and other accessories, to help ensure that it can be used both handheld by a user like a normal camera, and mounted in any number of configurations on different devices, like cars, handlebars, jibs, and more.
Apple’s patent aims to differentiate itself from the crowd by offering users a range of choices as to how to shoot with the device, including remotely via a wrist-mounted control device that communicates wirelessly with the camera gadget, and which can provide it with updated information in real-time. The remote also features a low-power mode for stand operation while conserving battery.
It’s also key to note that this patent application leans heavily on existing Kodak IP. It’s in Apple’s interest to make use of the products of that property acquisition, even if it doesn’t intend to ship anything based on the patents involved in the near future.