Mac OS X 3D: 'Depthtop' revealed in patent

Are you ready for a 3D desktop?

Apple is working on such a project, according to patent filings unearthed by MacRumors this week. The 'multidimensional desktop' applications suggest that Apple wants to take familiar parts of the Mac OS X desktop -- such as the dock -- and add depth, allowing you to stack documents or folders behind application icons on the 'floor' of your desktop.

The idea of a 3D desktop is not new, but neither is it something people are using in large numbers. When it comes to patent applications there's always a distinct chance that the technology never actually makes it into a product -- still, it's always interesting to see what companies are working up in the labs.