Tuesday: March 2, 2010
- Google is now the proud recipient of a location-based advertising patent.
The full description of the patent is available over on the other side of the click. Do all mobile carriers and device makers (oh, hi Apple) have something to worry about now that Google has acquired this patent?
Monday: March 1, 2010
- Facebook's recently awarded news-feed patent could spell trouble for other social sites.
Twitter is effectively one giant news feed, to the extent that it clearly has influenced some of the changes that Facebook made to its own feed technology. That reaction could be alarmist. And yet prominent figures elsewhere in the social-media world don't seem thrilled.
Thursday: February 25, 2010
- Forbes covers fifteen kooky inventions you may not have previously known about.
Yes, someone actually holds a patent for a device that allows the user of said to device to swiftly kick themselves in the buttocks. This would undoubtedly make for a lovely addition to any home or office (most likely the latter).
Wednesday: February 3, 2010
- New Apple patent may bring touch sensitive bezels to future iPads.
I actually am quite addicted to using hot corners functionality on my beloved copy of Mac OS X for various tasks. This seems like it would be an absolute perfect fit for the iPad's overly thick bezel.
Tuesday: January 5, 2010
- Nokia decides to add an additional fourteen patents to case against Apple.
The assertion made in Nokia's latest amended complaint is that Apple based the design of the iPhone around Nokia concepts, implying that Apple may have actively reverse-engineered Nokia's phones to do so -- rather than stumbling upon the same concepts accidentally in its own research.
Wednesday: December 30, 2009
- Google files patent to possibly turn YouTube into some sort of video game service.
An interesting concept but I'd have to see it to believe it. From my personal experience watching many a YouTube video; the less interaction the better. Or this all could just be, as the source article states, another way for Google to inject more advertising into video content.
Tuesday: December 29, 2009
- Some of the best and worst patent applications of 2009 according to The Register.
There are actually some pretty funny patent application entries listed here from some notable companies. I'm curious if IBM will ever make good on their 'check for awkward silence on conference call' patent which would make for potential comedy gold during the most inappropriate of times. Awooga!
Tuesday: December 22, 2009
- Brand new Microsoft patent encourages your avatar to exercise.
According to this new patent it looks like your Xbox 360 avatar will be able to closely resemble your real-life physical appearance. In some cases, you may be locked out of additional levels and other features until your avatar meets certain health demands.
Friday: October 2, 2009
- The Apple tablet may make use of both of your hands for touch input.
The described system in the patent application would individually detect all ten fingers and separate palms on a person's hand, giving the ability to type, write, draw and interact with a device large enough to support multiple hands.
Wednesday: August 26, 2009
- Nintendo files patent for a Wii controller in the shape of a football.
I predict that the number of Wii-related accidents will rise again when/if this is actually released.
Saturday: August 15, 2009
- Sony files patent for laugh detection on the PS3.
Patent covers a range of emotions other than laughter. Sony want to know when video games make you cry.
Wednesday: August 12, 2009
- Nintendo files patent for inflatable cushion controller.
Looks like it may be used for a horseback riding simulator of some kind. Oh boy.
Monday: July 13, 2009
- Bill Gates holds a patent for preventing and controlling... hurricanes?
...describes a process of using fleets of vessels to mix warm water from the surface of the ocean with colder water from greater depths in an effort to cool the surface of the water.
Friday: July 10, 2009
- Face and object recognition may be coming to iPhones according to latest Apple patent filling.
...a user might take a photo of a piece of art and wish to have it automatically identified and additional information on it provided, or engage in an audio tour or podcast and wish to access additional content beyond that provided in the audio files.
Tuesday: July 7, 2009
- New Amazon patent hints at an ad-supported Kindle.
You'll have to learn how to tune out ads in your favorite e-books, just like the Internet!
Monday: July 6, 2009
- Sony files patent for turning any object into a video game controller.
Take that, Project Natal?
Friday: June 26, 2009
- Michael Jackson was also an important patent holder.
So that's how he did it in Smooth Criminal. Mystery solved.
