Post 28: Funny Patent 2

Method of Swinging on a Swing

So apparently a guy managed to patent how you "pull alternatively on one chain and then the other", so you probably owe Steven Olson a lot of money.

This is a patent about literally the METHOD of how to swing on the swing. 

How absolutely ridiculous haha. 

Post 27: Funny Patent 1

The Flatulence Deodorizer

in 2000, this is a pad that is worn by people to ABSORB gas by people from farting. here's a drawing:

This is a really weird version of a diaper, although I feel like really self concious people would buy it? Here are some testimonies of people:

"Your product has really helped me in the cramped space of my cockpit. I would sometimes notice the other guys using their mask to get some fresh oxygen ... When I feel the urge I usually quickly install it thru the back of my pants. Then I do not have to worry. It also does a nice job muffling the noise."

"On September 14th mom will be 78 years old, and that's why I'd like to take her to Hawaii ... I've traveled there twice, but she never has because of her flatulence problems."

Read more: http://www.cracked.com/article_15693_the-10-most-ridiculous-inventions-ever-patented.html#ixzz2SIK9h2oi

Post 26: Google Battles Generification -- and Wins

For your reading pleasure read more here: http://www.minyanville.com/sectors/technology/articles/Tech-News253A-With-Pressure-From-Google/3/26/2013/id/48928

The tl;dr: Google Pressures Sweden to Amend Definition of New Word

A google term was removed from the Sweden's Language Councils list of new words added to popular lexicons. This is the first time a word was actually removed from the 2012 list, and it's this: ogooglebar.

It means something a person can't find by using a search engine. Heard of it before? Cuz I sure haven't!

The issue is since this isn't related to Google's name itself but actually to search engines in general. Google wanted the word to be ammended to refer to purely Google searches to maintain the integrity of the brand. But the word means, you can't find something from them, so why would they want a word that shows that they don't have the information on it.

Regardless, Sweden still removed it, and there are some court debates about this. In your opinion, do you think this should be removed or not? This isn't exactly a mobile case, but I still think that it's interesting!

Post 25: Apple files patents for "curved" and "non-rectangular" batteries for mobile devices

Read more here! http://www.phonearena.com/news/Apple-files-patents-for-curved-and-non-rectangular-batteries-for-mobile-devices_id42623?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+phonearena%2FySoL+(Phone+Arena+-+Latest+News)

There's more talk recently about iOS updates. The plan is that there are some new flatter visual designs, that I'm all for since flat design is super sick.

Apple's filed for 2 patents for portable device batteries. One is a "curved battery cell" and the other is for a "non-rectangular battery". here's a visual so you can think about what things might look like in the future.



These patents were filed in October of 2011, and Apple's reasoning is "the curve is formed to facilitate efficient use of space inside a portable electronic device".

Interestingly there are battery cells that are kind of already like this, so I smell some future lawsuits to come.

This would allow for apple to have dramatic new designs, and it sorta already fits into Apple's overall look which is kind of round and not sharp. Apple commonly uses tapered edges on devices, so that they seem lighter and thinner. Being able to have a new rounded battery could help them fit a bigger battery into a tapered design.

Let me know if you think you could think of some cool designs for this!

Post 24: Japanese mobile boss claims he's already patented the tech inside Google Glass Mobile

Read here: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/10/softbank-ceo-vs-google-glass/

Here's a funny one! One of Japan's richest men, claims he's patented Google Glass already.

Lets get things straight, he's got an army of lawyers to call, and his name is Masayoshi Son, a billionaire and CEO of SoftBank. In 2010, there was in fact a patent that is similar but not identical to Google's. In Google's, one's own words are translated with Google specs. In his, he says that they're translation glasses with captions.

You can view the Glass's promo video here: Project Glass promo video.

So how is this guy so rich? He sold a translation device patent to Sharp for $1 mill.

So what are your thoughts on this? Real or fraud?

Post 23: ZTE agrees to Android, Chrome patent licensing from Microsoft

Read about this here: http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobile-technology/zte-agrees-android-chrome-patent-licensing-microsoft-217176

the tl;dr: Microsoft has inked an agreement with China's ZTE for its Android and Chrome patent licensing program.

It seems that as far as we know, "Financial details of deal were not disclosed. But the agreement gives ZTE access to Microsoft patents covering phones, tablets, computers, and other devices running Google's Android and Chrome operating systems."

There are many other companies that also signed with Microsoft's licensing program, which is meant to help these gadget vendors and avoid further lawsuits with Microsoft. 

Something like 80% of Android smartphones sold in the US and worldwide are under agreements with Microsoft. 

Interestingly enough, China's Huawei, the world's 3rd largest smartphone vendor, and Google/Motorola haven't signed with Microsoft. 

I think that this could result in some interesting cliques in the future. Google and Huawei are both huge firms, so they could probably stand their own against Microsoft. Perhaps there are other reasons for them not signing on but we'll have to see about that!

Post 22: Apple's Patent for "No Look" Multitouch Interface

Read here but you must scroll down to see this article http://www.minyanville.com/sectors/technology/articles/Tech-News253A-With-Pressure-From-Google/3/26/2013/id/48928

Recently Apple was granted ANOTHER new patent! US Patent No. 8,407,623 for "Playback control using a touch interface." 

This patent was actually originally filed in 2009, so that shows you how long it takes to make a a filed patent come to reality right? Basically it's a system that registers touch input, when nothings being displayed on the screen. Users then don't have to even LOOK at the device to contorl it, and this could potentially save a ton of battery life as well!

The patent also has commands for playback functions, and as the article articulate:

"The patent lists commands for playback functions, like a single tap for play/pause, a double tap for moving to the next item, a triple tap for moving to the previous item, a clockwise circle for turning the volume up, and a counterclockwise circle for turning it down."

I think this is a SUPER cool innovation that would be so useful in many aspects. Unfortunately, it's a little disappointing that there's already a patent for it, because I would love to see this on some other devices!!

What other applications do you think this could open doors for? Let me know below!