October 23rd, 2008 by
Filed under: Wireless
As should be clear by now, patent application land is quite a bit different than actual product land, but that’s never stopped companies from devising their share of ambitious ideas and, in the case of Apple, perhaps more than its share. Its latest describes an all-encompassing “personal area network” that would make use of RF modules in everything to communicate with each other and connect to the internet. That would include devices with both short range (WiFi and Bluetooth) and long range (GSM, EDGE, etc) communications capabilities, as well as devices with just short range modules, which would be able to communicate with and identify themselves to any other modules around and, potentially, piggyback their way onto the internet. Ambitious, to be sure, but we think Apple may have to come up with a catchier t-shirt slogan if they really want to sell it.
[Via Unwired View]
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Posted in Apple, patent, patent application, PatentApplication, wireless, rf, apple patent, ApplePatent, rf module, RfModule | No Comments »
June 20th, 2008 by
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables
It looks like Motorola isn’t about to let Apple have the goofy, non-existent product spotlight to itself, with a recent patent application of its revealing some plans of its own for a head-mounted display. As you can see above, however, this one is no ordinary HMD, with it also able to be folded up into an apparently over-sized cellphone for times when you want to look slightly less conspicuous. Of course, the chances of such a product actually making it off the drawing board are pretty slim (thankfully), and no doubt even less likely given the recent cuts to Motorola’s research division.
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Posted in patent, hmd, patent application, PatentApplication, motorola | No Comments »
June 13th, 2008 by
Filed under: Cellphones
You kvetch enough about that ultrathin candybar taking up too much room in those über-tight Emo-style jeans — we know you’d throw a fit if you had to tote around a mobile akin to a rolling pin. Nevertheless, that’s not stopping Nokia’s wildly imaginative R&D team from throwing out a patent app for a cylindrical cellphone. Granted, we are digging the movable materials and the potential for a fairly wide display, but unless we get some sort of spray can holster from The Home Depot, how else are we supposed to carry this thing without embarrassing ourselves?
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Posted in patent, patent application, PatentApplication, nokia, weird, cylinder, cylindrical | No Comments »
May 23rd, 2008 by
Filed under: Cellphones
We came across a pair of phone patents today so patently palatable that we couldn’t help but dish ‘em out together. First up is Sony Ericsson’s bright idea to shove radar in cellphones. According to the application, the built-in technology could work hand-in-hand with the GPS module and camera to obtain a position, calculate distance to target, determine position / speed of said target using Doppler analysis and present the finalized information to the owner. Over on Nokia’s side, the firm has apparently been working on a number of new designs and UI tweaks, even going so far as to draw up a handset with an integrated kickstand. Check out the links below if you’re hungry for more where this came from.
Read - Sony Ericsson patent application
Read - Nokia patent application
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Posted in patent, patent application, PatentApplication, nokia, sony ericsson, SonyEricsson, se | No Comments »
May 16th, 2008 by
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Bags that charge your gadgets aren’t exactly a new concept, but that apparently hasn’t stopped Philips from trying to patent the idea, as evidenced by its recently-revealed application for a so-called “Smart Handbag.” This bag is somewhat unique, however, in that it has separate compartments for your various gizmos, each of which contain their own electric conductive circuit that’s used to top off the devices as needed (the bag itself is apparently charged simply by plugging the strap into a power outlet). As if that wasn’t enough, the other end of the strap would apparently be outfitted with a USB connector, which’d let you plug the bag into your computer and instantly have access to all the devices contained within it. Of course, that’s assuming computers still have USB ports whenever this thing actually makes it off the drawing board.
[Via Unwired View]
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Posted in patent, patent application, PatentApplication, philips, smart handbag, SmartHandbag | No Comments »
May 13th, 2008 by
Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless
It looks like your future digital camera could have considerably more wireless options than built-in WiFi or an Eye-Fi card, at least if Sony Ericsson has its way. As Unwired View reports, the company has filed a number patent applications that detail its plans to add various wireless connectivity options to digital cameras, including GSM, CDMA, and WiMAX, in addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That would apparently come both in the form of wireless cards built into the cameras themselves, and in the form of wireless adapters or docks that would attach to the camera, with some dedicated flash memory also thrown in for storing settings for Flickr and the like. Of course, there’s no indication as to when we can expect to see such cameras and, as Unwired View points out, the idea itself may not be the most patentable, but you can sign us up for any connectivity option that doesn’t involve a tangled mess of cords in our gadget bag.
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Posted in patent, patent application, PatentApplication, sony ericsson, SonyEricsson, wireless digital camera, WirelessDigitalCamera | No Comments »
April 17th, 2008 by
Filed under: Peripherals
Wearable mice aren’t exactly a new idea, but it seems that Microsoft thinks it can do things one better, with a recent patent application revealing its plans for a desk-defying device of its own. As you can see above, this one is designed to be worn even while your typing on a keyboard, with the cursor movement able to be switched on an off with a simple hand gesture. That pointing itself is handled by some gyroscopic sensors, with an accelerometer and a magnetometer apparently also employed for further gesture and position sensing. Needless to say, there’s no indication of it becoming an actual product anytime soon but, unlike some of Microsoft’s other patent applications, this one seems like it could well find its way off the drawing board sooner rather than later.
[Via istartedsomething]
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Posted in Microsoft, patent, patent application, PatentApplication, mouse, wearable mouse, WearableMouse | No Comments »
March 27th, 2008 by
Filed under: Cellphones
While it doesn’t exactly come as much of a surprise, it seems that Apple has plenty more goodies in mind for the iPhone (and, presumably, the iPod touch), with a recent batch of no less than six patent applications revealing some of its plans to turn the device into what it describes as a “lifestyle companion.” In this case, that rather vague term refers to what is effectively an upgrade to the Nike+iPod system, with the iPhone’s accelerometer and other built-in capabilities also coming into play in addition to the usual external sensors. It doesn’t stop with workouts, however, with the patent applications also indicating plans for a diet coach of sorts, which could even make use of the iPhone’s camera to scan bar codes on products. Those components would also of course all work together, with the system able to suggest workouts based on your diet and physical condition and vice versa. Of course, these being patent applications, there’s no indication as to when we might actually see such a system, but it sure seems a good deal more likely than some of Apple’s other ideas.
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Posted in iPhone, Apple, patent, patent application, PatentApplication, exercise, workout, apple patent application, ApplePatentApplication | No Comments »
March 17th, 2008 by
Filed under: Cellphones, Laptops
You’ll have to take this one with the usual patent application caveats but, as Unwired View reports, one of Apple’s recent filings seems to indicate that it has at least considered the possibility of an iPhone flip phone of sorts, among other dual-screen possibilities. The application itself is for what’s described as a “dual sided trackpad,” which would be translucent and boast touch sensitive panels on each side, allowing it to be used both when it’s opened or when it’s covering the main display. In the case of the iPhone, that would seem to offer yet another option for the oft-discussed iPhone nano, but the patent application doesn’t stop there, with it also offering up possibilities for laptops and tablets based around the technology. In the former case, the touchpad would open up a small window on the main display, allowing it to work like a SideShow display, while the tablet would boast a touchscreen encompassing the entire display. Needless to say, we wouldn’t recommend getting your hopes up for any of that just yet but, if you want to whet your appetite a bit further, you can get a rough idea of what they might look like by hitting up the read link below.
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Posted in Apple, patent application, PatentApplication, apple patent, ApplePatent | No Comments »
March 13th, 2008 by
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Video
Hot on the heels of that Apple TV patent which included broadcast viewing functions, we’re getting a peek at a new application which suggests a possible DVR future for the folks from Cupertino. The concept breaks from standard TiVo-like solutions by making extensive use of a handheld component, which would be used to program and control the recordings, and could periodically download batches of shows for iPod-esque portability. On the set-top side, the box would function largely the way most DVRs do now, though Apple seems to be interested in infusing the process with its typical gloss, and part of the application is concerned with the possibility of gesture-based control for the unit (no surprise there). Of course, this isn’t the freshest patent filing in the world, and it’s possible Steve has already moved on to a more intuitive, telepathically controlled system by now.
[Via AppleInsider]
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Posted in Apple, patent, ipod, patent application, PatentApplication, dvr | No Comments »
March 7th, 2008 by
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming
It’s nice to know that Sony Ericsson is plugging away on making our crazy, dare-to-dream fantasies a reality. The latest proof that someone up there (and by up there, we mean Japan) likes us comes in the form of a new patent for a touchscreen handheld that forgoes physical buttons for a haptic-feedback scheme. The design mandates that the phone / game device would be free of the pesky clutter of regular buttons, and would instead by configurable to any number of forms (PSP, phone, MP3 player, digital camera) by arrangement of on-screen controls. The device would vibrate in accordance with button-presses, though it’s unclear whether this will just be a standard vibration, or a more advanced, location-specific feedback system. Even with a little buzz, we’re not quite sure you can replicate the feeling real gaming controls provide — and that could seriously interfere with our typical success in games.
[Via Unwired View]
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Posted in sony, patent application, PatentApplication, concept, sony ericsson, SonyEricsson, psp phone, PspPhone, haptics, gaming phone, GamingPhone, haptic feedback, HapticFeedback | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2008 by
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming
If we didn’t know better, we’d say Samsung really wants to develop some type of hybrid gaming / phone device. One need only look back on the plethora of patent applications from the electronics-maker to realize that something game-related is going on over at HQ. Whatever the case may be, the Korean company has applied for another iteration of device, this time taking a more modular approach to the layout of buttons and screen. In this new configuration, a RAZR-like clamshell would actually house a swiveling screen which allows the unit to flip open, thus placing the display squarely between two “wings.” The resulting arrangement would be a symmetrical device that would encourage a more familiar hand position for gamers. Of course, like those other designs, these are just images on paper — though it does spark the imagination considerably.
[Via Unwired View]
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Posted in patent application, PatentApplication, samsung, flip, gaming device, gaming phone, GamingDevice, GamingPhone, swivel | No Comments »
February 6th, 2008 by
Filed under: Gaming
Some folks in the UK happened upon a set of British patents submitted by Nintendo recently for a whole slew of crazy Wiimote accessories, and you might be surprised to know what the company wants dibs on. Included in this large collection of sometimes bizarre add-ons is a Wiimote-cradling teddy bear, skateboard, helmet (with goggles), golf club, baseball bat, and of course… a bicycle. We’re not sure what the big N was thinking when they assembled this list — perhaps they just wanted to cover all the bases as those filing patents are wont to do. However, we suggest they scramble for these gems that have been unfairly left off: Wii-chocolate bar, Wii-sofa, Wii-Terminator, and of course, the Wii-Wii — a larger Wiimote which the regular Wiimote gets slotted into.
[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy and The Register]
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Posted in Nintendo, Wii, patent, patent application, PatentApplication, wiimote, uk, britain, england, accessories, accessory, patent filings, PatentFilings | No Comments »
December 24th, 2007 by
Filed under: Portable Audio
Apple’s already given self-controlling individuals the option to limit their iPod’s maximum volume level, but if a newly surfaced patent application is any indication of the future, your next PMP from the Cupertino powerhouse could actually tone things down for you. Reportedly, the app explains that software could eventually keep track of how long — and at what volume level — you’ve been listening, and if it determines that you could be damaging your ears, the volume could be automatically adjusted down for your own safety. Granted, there’s no way to definitively tell whether Apple will or won’t implement such a change, nor if owners will be allowed to disable the feature, but really, who could argue with software retarding the rate at which you go deaf?
[Image courtesy of Apple]
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Posted in Apple, patent, ipod, patent application, PatentApplication, patent app, PatentApp, volume, volume limiter, VolumeLimiter | No Comments »
December 20th, 2007 by
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming
Apparently, Nokia just hasn’t swallowed the fact that the world doesn’t seem ready (or interested, whatever the case may be) in a handheld gaming system / cellphone hybrid. ‘Course, with all that PSP phone chatter going on, we guess the times could be a-changin’, and Nokia definitely doesn’t want to miss its shot at redemption. A fresh patent application from the outfit details a handheld device that acts as a phone, multimedia player and gaming machine, but rather than forcing users to feel as if they’re handling an NES controller, this concoction provides two wings that slip down for added comfort. Whether or not this thing would double as an acceptable boomerang remains to be seen.
[Via UnwiredView]
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Posted in patent, gaming, patent application, PatentApplication, nokia, patent app, PatentApp, gaming handset, GamingHandset | No Comments »
December 6th, 2007 by
Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras
Generally speaking, the cameras that come built in to today’s mobiles are less than astounding, but a recent Sony Ericsson patent application could make ‘em a bit more worthwhile. The patent describes a scenario where a user could input commands by simply gesturing in front of the lens, and the phone would then be able to decode certain actions and react accordingly. Apparently, one could answer a phone (in handsfree fashion, of course) from across the room with just a flick of the wrist, and tracks streaming over Bluetooth could be controlled by waving your hands like you just don’t care. Granted, users would still have to be where the handset could see them, but aside from that, the idea’s not too shabby.
[Via UnwiredView]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in patent, sony, patent application, PatentApplication, sony ericsson, SonyEricsson, se, gesture | No Comments »
December 3rd, 2007 by
Filed under: Cellphones
Cellphones with built-in fingerprint scanners aren’t exactly revolutionary, but a recent patent application filed by Nokia could foreshadow mobile displays that recognize and react to biometric inputs. More specifically, the technology would see a touch-sensitive user interface that could allow / deny access or morph depending on what user swiped their finger. Moreover, a mysterious “visual display cursor” is also referenced, which would seemingly allow the device to bring important applications / lists / etc. to the screen’s forefront depending on the preferences saved for each fingerprint. As always, it’s a mystery as to when something like this will actually go mainstream, but we certainly dig the sound of it — even when written in totally incomprehensible patent app lingo.
[Via CellPassion]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in patent, patent application, PatentApplication, biometrics, fingerprint, nokia, biometric, fingerprint recognition, FingerprintRecognition, patent app, PatentApp | No Comments »
November 22nd, 2007 by
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Apple has already expanded its multi-touch empire quite a bit in the form of various patent applications, and it now looks like it could be set to give the core system itself an update, at least according to a trio of just-revealed patent applications. he main one is an application that describes a “sensor arrangement for use with a touch sensor that identifies hand parts.” Among other things, that’ll apparently allow for simultaneous tracking of “multiple finger and palm contacts” which, according to the patent, should allow for “unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting.” That last bit is apparently accomplished using a “pen grip detector,” which can apparently detect if you’re mimicking the position of holding a pen and adjust accordingly. Hit up the read link below for complete details in full-on patent-speak.
[Via PC Joint, thanks Stasys]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in Apple, patent, patent application, PatentApplication, multi-touch, apple patent, ApplePatent | No Comments »
November 21st, 2007 by
Filed under: Cellphones
We’re pretty sure this isn’t the first time someone outside of Danger conjured up images of a Sidekick wannabe, and while we’ve certainly seen a real fake version before, Nokia is apparently toying with the idea of kicking out a legitimate contender. In a recent patent application, Nokia details its vision for “compact devices with turn and slide concept,” which looks an awful lot like a Sidekick save for the twistable apparatus on the side. To move the display and reveal the QWERTY keypad, users must turn the side-mounted knob, which subsequently shifts the LCD upwards and back while giving your thumbs access to the keys beneath. We’re still on the fence with the whole winding approach, but it’s an interesting deviation to the norm, regardless.
[Via UnwiredView]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in sidekick, patent application, PatentApplication, nokia, slider | No Comments »
September 25th, 2007 by
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Worried that you weren’t getting any phantom downloads to your Zune? Fear not, readers, as Microsoft has plans to get you seriously covered. In a new patent application unearthed last week, the boys in Redmond outline a scheme wherein new media — whether it be podcasts, individual tracks, or albums — would be downloaded to your Zune via WiFi if relevant new content appeared on the company’s servers. What’s relevant content, you ask? Well, say you had a number of Foo Fighters records in your playlist, and you had set your preferences to grab any new music by the band that was put online. Tracks (or maybe just freebies like singles) might be downloaded directly to your player and added to a playlist. The system might also make suggestions for downloads based on your listening habits, possibly suggesting a Probot record, or Queens of the Stone Age. Whatever the implementation may be, we can all be assured of one thing: Dave Grohl will somehow be involved.
[Via ZDNet]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Posted in Microsoft, zune, automatic downloads, AutomaticDownloads, content downloads, ContentDownloads, patent application, PatentApplication, patents, playlists, preferences | No Comments »
