Microsoft Tries To Patent Multiple, Interchangeable Second Devices On Smartphones
Another interesting Microsoft patent application got published today. The whole idea of this patent is to have secondary devices which can be attached and detached from a smartphone. It will function appropriately in both the modes. For example, a keyboard device can be used for the smartphone when attached to it, when detached it can act as a remote control for a TV, etc.
Abstract:
MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE, INTERCHANGEABLE SECOND DEVICES:
A mobile communication device comprises a first device with a first display and multiple second devices. The second devices are releasably attachable to the first device and are interchangeable with each other. The mobile device can operate as a mobile cell phone with one or more second devices operable as a mobile phone hand set. The second devices can comprise one or more game controllers, batteries, physical keyboards and/or mobile phone handsets with a display. In a detached configuration, the first device is separated from the second devices and can wirelessly communicate with one or more of the detached second devices. In a three device configuration, the first device can send commands, control signals or content to one or more external devices in addition to the second devices.
The Patent War Saga: From the Eyes of a Teenager
As a young adult and technology enthusiast growing up in a world where technology is changing and improving as fast as one can blink I am very much amazed and captivated by the goings-on. What has me particularly captivated at the moment however, is the mobile spectra and at them moment the kind of weapons race that goes on behind the scenes. The goings-on that even at this feisty stage are not even known by the so-called end users who just care about having a phone in their hands and have not the slightest care about how it got there. I should make it clear off the bat, that I am of the belief that if one sheds blood, sweat and tears working on something, that they should reap the benefits of it in the way that they’ve dreamed of. I am also of the knowledge that Microsoft was once the big bad wolf of monopolizing the tech world but I like others also believes that those time have somewhat changed and Microsoft is more about the people now (Win7 and WP7 are perfect examples). I also believe that the old Microsoft skin has fallen over or has been modified to fit Google, who’s "Me too" attitude I somewhat despise. Of course this is my opinion and everyone is free to have their opinion too.
All of the research I’ve done on the tech world, whether by reading from Engadget, BGR, Bloomberg, CNET, ZDNET, ArsTechnica, GigaOM has led me to believe that Google is really about providing their Android software for free so that the manufacture can gobble it up and Google can have more platforms to make money from advertising (Which is what they’re buit on). This I know must be true yet the hordes of Fandroids as they are oft called fail to acknowledge and blindly follow Google into the bottomless pits of deception. If I at this ripe age can understand this why can’t the multitude of older generations pick this up as well?
What annoys me is when fandroid like to cry out in unsion that Android is free! Android is open! Android can be customized You can do whatever you can with Android and will fight it to the death. I used to have a bit of disdain for Apple products but the more the Fandroid cry out about how free Android is the more I’ve favored Apple as second to Microsoft in my book. Wake up Fandroids half of those that own Android phones buy them for their prices and don’t know about the tons of "advanced" features that the carriers and manufacturers hype their phones up to offer. Those that claim that Android can be hacked this or that way don’t recognize that the majority of the population have no interest in those things.
Most of the regular people may just be attracted by a phone with a pretty big and vibrant screen and a nice camera, probably the ability to play the movies, songs or pictures via some external hardware using HDMI, DLNA, use the internet, play games and they’re all set. They most likely came from non-smartphones, sidekicks, flip-phones and were enthused that they could get a "smartphone" so conveniently. But if Google were about the people Android would’ve been far more usable and pleasant experience for it’s users instead of now scrambling to make tweaks here and there (this is where they copy too) and get critical acclaim from it’s users.
What the Fandroids people need to understand however is that, Android didn’t just appear out of thin air, it was someone’s work that created it and Android can’t be free because evidently it also includes software bit patented by other companies. Even if your argument is that that bit of software is too minute to consider, one must understand that someone’s effort went into thinking of and creating that little bit! Also if it were so insignificant then Google’s engineers would’ve been quick to replace the infringing bit eons ago and we wouldn’t be in this patent mess.
So in all what I am saying is may the "man" who put the effort, the blood sweat and tears into getting us where we are in mobile technology win this current patent war and that people should be informed before blindly selling themselves to a company.
(I am a budding journalist and may not have constructed all of my thoughts well but I hope you go the gist of it)
Microsoft-Motorola patent battle escalate
Microsoft and Motorola have escalated their smartphone patent war, with Microsoft adding 7 new patents to the 9 it was already challenging Motorola with, and Motorola adding 2 to its earlier 17.Motorola filed a new suit in the Western District of Wisconsin over 3 patents and Microsoft made counterclaims in the Southern District of Florida, alleging the infringement of 7 of its patents.
In its new suit, Motorola tries to attack the Kinect and Microsoft asserts not only five patents against Android phones (just like it did before) but also two patents against Motorola set-top boxes with DVR functionality. Two of the seven patents added by Microsoft cover important touchscreen functionalities originally applied for in connection with "pointing devices" such as a stylus but now appear to cover user interface technologies that are most relevant in connection with touchscreens.
In the past it has been rare for for large companies to go to war over patents, largely due to the the large number of products that are usually infringing on both sides, with most large companies in a Mutually Assured Destruction stand-off.
It seems, due to the new high stakes smartphones game, things have now finally gone nuclear.
Read more detail at FOSSPatents here.
Via SeattlePI.com
Thanks Zee for the tip
HTC patents pop-up connectors, we ask why
HTC is very well known for their hardware inventiveness, but I wonder if they have not taken things a bit too far in the gimmicky direction with their latest patent.
Their patent for a Portable Electronic Device is described as follows:
Connectors in the portable electronic devices, for example, refer to universal serial buses (USBs) which are disposed outside main bodies of the portable electronic devices. Thereby, not only the exterior design of the portable electronic devices is deteriorated, but also dust or undesired objects are prone to enter into the connectors, thus giving rise to poor electrical contact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present application is directed to a portable electronic device with succinct appearance.
In the present application, a portable electronic device including a first body, a second body, a motion assembly, a connector, and an ejector is provided. The second body has a hollow portion, and the first body is movable disposed on the second body to cover the hollow portion. The motion assembly is disposed between the first body and the second body, such that the first body is able to move relatively to the second body. The connector is movably disposed in the hollow portion. The ejector is disposed between the connector and the second body. When the first body moves relatively to the second body, and the hollow portion of the second body is exposed, the ejector is capable of driving the connector to move out of the hollow portion.
So in short a pop-up connector would allow for a sleeker appearance while protecting the connector from dust and dirt, but I suspect if we ever see this in a real device it will result in a lot more annoyance than anything else.
See the full patent here.
Microsoft sues Android
Microsoft has long claimed some intellectual property when it comes to open source operating systems, and at the time many advocates have asked the company to put up or shut up.
It seems Microsoft has finally decided to do just that, taking Motorola to court for alleged patent infringements in “synchronizing email, calendars and contacts, scheduling meetings, and notifying applications of changes in signal strength and battery power.”
Microsoft long maintained Android is not really free, and has so far been able to claim payments for using the OS from HTC. It seems Motorola has not been as amenable to persuasion.
See Microsoft’s press release after the break.
HTC fights back against Apple
It seems the fight between Apple and HTC is going to go on for some time yet, with HTC filing a suit with the Internationl Trade Commision, regarding five of HTCs patents.
As the innovator of the original Windows Mobile PocketPC Phone Edition in 2002 and the first Android smartphone in 2008, HTC believes the industry should be driven by healthy competition and innovation that offer consumers the best, most accessible mobile experiences possible. We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners, and most importantly our customers that use HTC phones.
HTC is requesting the blocking of imports to the US of the iPhone, iPad and iPod.
If the ITC did block any imports of the companies currently fighting over patents, the disputes would most likely be sorted out over night… No such luck so far, and so Nokia, HTC and Apple are all likely to lose. Now’s a good time to be in patent law though!
The full press release is here.
Microsoft accused Android of patent infringement, licenses HTC to use it
In an interesting and frankly bizarre move, Microsoft has signed a patent agreement with HTC that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for HTC’s mobile phones running the Android mobile platform.
Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft told CNET Android infringes on several Microsoft user interface and other patents, and it was Microsoft’s responsibility to ensure "competitors do not free ride on our innovations."
“HTC and Microsoft have a long history of technical and commercial collaboration, and today’s agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercial arrangements that address intellectual property,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with HTC.”
HTC is currently under attack from various sources for patent infringement, but the highest profile case has been Apple’s attempt to block HTC from importing its phones into USA. Most of Apple’s claims have been based on the Android software running in most of HTC’s devices.
Under the agreement Microsoft will receive royalty payments from HTC. Microsoft has also said it has been in talks with other phone makers, but will likely find it a harder sell as companies like Samsung and Motorola likely hold extensive defensive patent portfolios which makes them less vulnerable to such an approach.
Some analysts however feel that more than mere exploitation of HTC may be afoot, with the Microsoft patent deal possibly providing some protection to HTC from Apple’s overtures.
"Google is really unable to protect HTC because they don’t have any portfolio of patents in this area," said Ken Dulaney, Gartner Research Analyst. Microsoft, by contrast, has a broad portfolio and a patent cross-licensing deal with Apple.
It’s not clear to what degree, if any, the Microsoft agreement will help HTC in its battle against Apple. However, Dulaney said that is the key battle for HTC.
"If this doesn’t in some way help HTC against Apple, frankly, I don’t think they gain much," Dulaney said.
Does Microsoft’s decision make sense to our readers? Let us know your thoughts below.
Via MSMobiles.com
HTC’s hinge nerds patent new tablet design
Despite being accused of never innovating, HTC’s engineers are always coming up with new and interesting designs, both software and hardware. Their latest patent application is for a hinged device that slides open into a flat tablet-like device. Interestingly their render of an actual device does not show any keys, suggesting again a dual-screened device, like their earlier patent application.
HTC explains their invention as such:
The present application generally relates to a portable electronic device, in particular, to a portable electronic device having two bodies capable of being stacked or spread.
Portable electronic devices refer to electronic devices capable of being carried and operated by users. Portable electronic devices generally have small volume and weight for being carried by users conveniently. Common portable electronic devices include mobile phones, multimedia players, personal digital assistants, handheld game consoles, handheld satellite navigation systems, and notebook computers.
Most of the current portable electronic devices adopt a two-layer folding or sliding design, thus the two bodies of the portable electronic device have a minimum volume when being stacked and a large area when being spread. However, as for sliding design, the two bodies are still partially stacked when sliding with respect to each other, thus definitely reducing the area utilization rate of the lower body.
Accordingly, the present application is directed to a portable electronic device having a function of stacking or spreading bodies thereof.
The present application provides a portable electronic device having a first body, a second body, and a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism is disposed between the first body and second body, such that the second body is moveable between a first position and a second position with respect to the first body. In the first position, the second body is stacked on the first body. In the second position, top surfaces of the first body and the second body are substantially coplanar.
Based on the above description, the present application stacks or spreads the two bodies via the sliding mechanism and the moving mechanism, so as to improve the area utilization rate of the first body.
Having a “coplanar” design does not facilitate the use of a keyboard much, except to allow the keyboard to be even larger, but such a design would certainly look good on a dual screen device.
Read the full patent here and the design after the break.
Latest HTC patent aims to provide anti-shake for video viewing
HTC has continued to beaver away at adding small nice touches to their software offerings. The latest is pretty interesting, and make it easier to view video on an unstable platform such as a car.
The software would use an accelerometer or other motion sensor to detect unintended movement of the phone while playing video and move the image on the screen in the opposite direction, ensuring the image always appear stable is space.
HTC summarized the patent application as such:
A method for displaying a video, a mobile electronic device thereof and a storage medium thereof. In the present method, first, the video is displayed on a screen of the mobile electronic device. Then, an acceleration variance of the mobile electronic device is detected through a sensor of the mobile electronic device. Next, a display area of the video in the screen is adjusted according to the acceleration variance. As a result, a user can comfortably watch the video displayed in the screen of the mobile electronic device even in an unstable state.
Now the only question is will this actually make car sickness better or worse?
Read the full patent here.
ITC agrees to hear Apple’s HTC patent complaints, may decide case in 45 days
It seems in the patent case between Apple and HTC, the wheels of justice may work faster that for most, with the major part of the case possibly decided by the middle of May.
When Apple accused HTC of patent infringement, they did it not only in the U.S. District Court in Delaware, where the case may take many years to wind it was through hearings, appeals and counter-appeals, but also at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which moves much, much faster, and has the power to bar imports into USA.
The ITC has now agreed to hear the case and said it would set a target date for completion of the investigation within 45 days of instituting it.
The suite involves all of HTC’s devices, both Windows Mobile and Android, but the Android devices are more affected, as the patents cover their software implementations, which may be harder to work around than simply swapping out hardware in the Windows Mobile devices.
Google has said it would stand by HTC, but as yet remains unnamed in the various cases. Microsoft on the other hand appears to support the case, saying sorting out the intellectual property issues would be of benefit to the industry.
Approximately 20% of HTC’s sales are to the US, and it forms a larger part of their revenue.
Read more at eetimes.com here.
HTC applies for another tablet patent
Yesterday we posted about a hinge design which would be perfect for a dual screen device. Today we are posting on another HTC patent application which demonstrates a method of splitting the screen of a tablet-like device by drawing a gesture from one bevel to another, and interestingly explicitly shows the Windows Mobile flag.
The patent is summarizes as below.
A method for generating multiple windows frames, an electronic device thereof, and a computer program product using the method are provided. In the present method, first, a touch trajectory generated by continuously touching a touch panel of the electronic device is detected, wherein the center of the touch panel is a display area, and a non-display area surrounds the display area. Then, whether the touch trajectory is started from one side of the non-display area and passed through the display area to be extended to another side of the non-display area is determined. If so, the display area is split according to the touch trajectory to display at least two windows frames. As a result, an intuitional and convenient method for generating multiple windows frames in the display area is provided, and the operation of the electronic device is made very convenient.
HTC is well known to have had plans for a tablet which they have since shelved. With the current popularity of tablets it is almost certain HTC will revive their plans, and it is likely we will see much of this technology show up in these devices also.
Read the patent here.
Microsoft patents Windows Phone 7 panoramic UI
As mentioned earlier, Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 UI seems to have caught the imagination of many, likely because its pretty unique. So unique in fact that Microsoft has applied for a patent for the design.
The September 2008 patent is summarized as such:
A panoramic graphical user interface includes a contiguous background and a collection of mixed-media content objects. The contiguous background includes one or more space-orientating graphical elements and is sized to fit within a first dimension of a display and to extend beyond a second dimension of the display. The collection of mixed-media content objects are anchored over the contiguous background. The collection of mixed-media content objects are arranged to fit within the first dimension of the display and arranged to extend beyond the second dimension of the display.
I guess that means it wont be showing up on an iPhone any time soon 
Via Unwiredview.com
HTC hinge nerds patent new clamshell design
HTC, well known for their innovative hinged smartphones, like the various tilting sliders, twist and flip HTC Universal and even the detachable keyboard on the HTC Advantage, have done it again, applying for a patent on a new clamshell design which will make for a pretty attractive device.
Claiming the advantage of the hinge being hidden from the outside and a fetching symmetrical appearance of the resulting handset, the hinge does bring to mind kitchen cabinets rather than smartphones.
Interestingly however the design implies both sides of the device should have the same thickness, something not really useful or necessary if one side is only for the screen. However if both sides had screens, it would make rather a lot of sense.
Are we looking at the Google Nexus Dual Screen? Let us know below.
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