Apple may be working on new e-book features for iOS

The iPad maker files a patent for technology that would add a floating toolbar for quick searches, taking notes, and highlighting text.

by Donna Tam

February 21, 2013 12:30 PM PST Follow @DonnaYTam

Apple's patent application for creating and viewing digital note cards.

(Credit: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)

Apple may be working on some new search and highlight features for reading e-books on iPads, Patently Apple reported today.

The company filed a patent application for "creating and viewing digital note cards," according to the application published today (PDF below). The patent outlines technology for a new floating toolbar that allows users to do quick searches of text and enable highlighting and note-taking.

Users would be able to highlight text with various colors or by applying different fonts -- like strike-through font -- and add notes. In addition to text, these notes could include other media such as embedded audio, video, HTML, and hypertext.

Apple patent -- creating and viewing digital note cards:

Hooked Up

The iPad-obsessed Christina Milian and her love of tech

Kevin Frazier, co-anchor of OMG Insider, spends time with Christina Milian on the set of "The Voice." Plus, CNET Senior Editor Brian Tong breaks down Google Glass and some of the best accessories for the iPad.

Play Video