On Tuesday, Apple was granted rights to 24 patents pertaining to multipoint touch screen technology. They all directly relate to the iPad and iPhone, and what may lie ahead in Apple’s future.
Multipoint touch screen technology allows devices to recognize when a user has placed multiple fingers on the screen. This is helpful for pinch-and-zoom, scrolling, and right-clicking. By acquiring these patents, Apple prevents competitors from sharing the same breadth of knowledge and incorporating valuable features into Androids or tablets. This is the latest development in the cold war that has ensued between Google, Microsoft, and Apple, as the titans of tech are racing to accumulate as many patents as possible in an attempt to protect their own products and maybe sabotage the competition. For instance, last December, Apple won a ruling that forced HTC to discontinue a data detection feature in its phones that previously allowed users to call, email, and find directions with one simple keystroke. Apple’s small triumph there decreased sales for HTC and directly drove down the value of their product.
Another prominent patent concerns multi-touch auto scanning, a crucial element in conserving the battery life of iPads. During inactivity, iPads partially shut down, triggering a second circuitry to kick in and occasionally check for touch application. In other words, this allows iPads to hibernate whenever the display turns off, yet quickly jump back into action. As this is key to the iPad’s extensive battery life, no other tablet or smartphone will be able to duplicate this level of mechanics.
Some of the other patents also relate to Apple’s Magic Mouse, video editing timelines, and drop down search menus.
Of course, over time companies will find a way to slightly alter the multipoint touch screen technology and adapt it to competitors’ devices. Aside from PCs and Androids, restaurant reservation systems (such as Open Table), airline e-ticket terminals, and ATMs could all be adversely affected by Apple’s pending hammer. In order for any of these conveniences to continue, either Apple must grant them clemency, or they must invest funding in researching alternative solutions.
It’s likely that Apple won’t sue anyone or prevent competitors such as Samsung and Motorola from using this technology. Instead, Cupertino will add the patents to its “my army is bigger than yours” stockpile as a lingering threat for when faced litigation battles. Perhaps Apple is also using the patents to charge a fee to any companies that use this or similar technology. Regardless of Cupertino’s intentions, this new accumulation has certainly changed the rules, and Apple is once again at the head of the helm.
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