Microsoft Patent Makes Smartphones More Like PCs
Microsoft Zune
According to a filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Microsoft has patented a “smart system” that includes a smartphone cradle that allows the device to interface to peripherals, networks and large video displays through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection.
Some of the peripherals the cradle would allow the smartphone to link up to include printers, TV screens, cameras, external storage devices and speakers, according to the patent, which Microsoft acquired on Jan. 22.
For years Microsoft executives — particularly Chairman Bill Gates, who is no longer on full-time duty at the company — have discussed publicly how PCs and smart devices are reaching an intersection, and how PC technology will be available in smaller and smaller devices.
The patent filing reflects this notion. “The cell phone is rapidly evolving into a smart communications device that can provide sufficient computing power and functionality to drive a wide variety of peripherals as well as access network services,” according to the filing. “A major impediment to taking advantage of this evolving technology in the cell phone, for example, is the inability to connect the phone to peripheral devices and systems.”
Microsoft also released a Zune music and video player to compete with Apple’s iPod, but the device has garnered only lukewarm customer interest, leaving the future of the product uncertain. Rumors swirled that Microsoft would unveil a combination Zune/Windows Mobile device to rival iPhone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, but that did not happen.
Sorry Microsoft, Nokia already developed a Smartphone like a PC, it’s the Nokia Communicator, predecessor to the Nokia E90!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:27 am
[...] Microsoft also released a Zune music and video player to compete with Apple’s iPod, but the device has garnered only lukewarm customer interest, leaving the future of the product uncertain. Rumors swirled that Microsoft would unveil a …More [...]
February 4th, 2009 at 9:01 am
[...] Microsoft also released a Zune music and video player to compete with Apple ’s iPod, but the device has garnered only lukewarm customer interest, leaving the future of the product uncertain. Rumors swirled that Microsoft would unveil a …Page 2 [...]
February 4th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
[...] care about,” Google Latitude is a feature in Google Maps that allows users on computers or smartphones to view the location of fellow users on the map - they can then communicate with the person [...]