Apple Asked Google Not to Use Multi-Touch in Android?

[hzc71]

Patents don't last forever

But why does Apple get to request anyone NOT use it then??? Seems unfair to me. Just a thought...

Have any of you even read one line of the 384 or so page patent? It's not just if you can put two fingers on it, you're violating Apple's multi-touch. It's a very specific implementation of such things as the technology and method of detecting touches, determining which object was touched when there are overlapping objects, etc.

AND... patents don't last forever. It's there to protect the inventor for a certain period of time so people don't just rush out with exact copies and get paid for something they did not take the time to do themselves.

 

[kdarling]

Have any of you even read one line of the 384 or so page patent?

It's a lot more fun to make up stuff to get readers or argue over.

To those who haven't read it, the actual patent claims are only about two pages. The other 300+ pages are examples, detailed apparently just to get Jobs name inscribed at the top of iPhone history. Well, he's the CEO, after all.

It's not just if you can put two fingers on it, you're violating Apple's multi-touch. It's a very specific implementation of such things as the technology and method of detecting touches, determining which object was touched when there are overlapping objects, etc.

Better than my own, I just read the simplest explanation yet, in this article:

the core of Apple’s touted Multi-Touch patent is based on one (relatively) simple ability:
sense an initial scrolling mode - 1D, horizontal OR vertical and 2D, panning horizontal/vertical - and locking into that mode until the finger-touch is released from the screen.

For example, when you flick a webpage under Safari to scroll vertically, it locks into that mode instead of accidentally panning sideways with your finger.

 

[MikeTheC]

Thus are the pitfalls of software patents, folks.

While I like the iPhone and hope to see it continue to experience success, I also believe that competition is very healthy, and would prefer, as others here have expressed, that Apple not have done this. Apple and Google together could really transform the entire telecom industry (as it revolves around the cell phone industry model) and thereby allow us individuals to all benefit. A rising tide floats all boats, after all.

 

[hzc71]

Better than my own, I just read the simplest explanation yet, in this article:

For example, when you flick a webpage under Safari to scroll vertically, it locks into that mode instead of accidentally panning sideways with your finger.

Yeah, the article states:

First, the core of Apple’s touted Multi-Touch patent is based on one (relatively) simple ability: sense an initial scrolling mode - 1D, horizontal OR vertical and 2D, panning horizontal/vertical - and locking into that mode until the finger-touch is released from the screen.

Simple? I'd like to see them try to implement that! Oh wait, that would be patent infringement.

The iPhone Multi-Touch Patent Myth

 

[MikeTheC]

Yeah, the article states:The iPhone Multi-Touch Patent Myth

The only issue I have with this is the author's assertion that Apple's reason for not patenting the stuff that Microsoft ripped off was that they didn't feel it was necessary. While it's true they may not have felt it necessary, the ability to patent software is a relatively recent one, and may not have been available at the time for Apple to make use of, should they have even wanted to.

Moreover, the notion that patent protection actually stops anyone is completely uninformed and bogus. There are numerous examples of patent holders having their patented inventions stolen and used by others, only to have them poison the market and then withdraw from it and "apologize", thus completely spoiling any further future opportunity the legitimate patent holder had. My dad, for one, was such an affected person in the 1970s.

Part of why the patent system in this country is in desperate need of reform is the way in which one can go about patenting things which incorporate usability concepts, not just the underlying implimentational concept. As much as that guy wants to get up on his bully pulpit and preach, his online rag website needs to fact-check him as much as the Ms. Litella character to which he does somewhat accurately refer.

 

[branjosef]

I asked apple to kiss my a*s...doesnt mean anything. Let them ask all they want.

 

[toores]

about the IP

Read this article to the end.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/28/apple-vs-palm-the-in-depth-analysis/

And i agree, apple is getting worse than microsoft. First they launch iPhone, then iPhone 3G so you would have to buy new one. Allways giving a little less then possible. I think Palm's Pre is a phone with features like every phone should be. And way better then iPhone. (You don't need gaming, you need to get the basics right)

 

[kurosov]

Read this article to the end.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/28/apple-vs-palm-the-in-depth-analysis/

And i agree, apple is getting worse than microsoft. First they launch iPhone, then iPhone 3G so you would have to buy new one. Allways giving a little less then possible. I think Palm's Pre is a phone with features like every phone should be. And way better then iPhone. (You don't need gaming, you need to get the basics right)

You come across as the type of person who believes everything they read. Apple are no different to how they where a few years ago. The products they release are aimed at pleasing a specific type of person, as is the iphone.

Just because YOU want what you class as the basics instead of gaming that does not mean someone else will. For someone wanting a single portable entertainment device bundled with a mobile phone the iphone is a great product.

If you think the palm pre is better then buy one when it comes out.

 

[elgrecomac]

Agreed. While Apple has made a major push to build revenue on numerous fronts, that has only allowed them to do what they do best... create a great user experience. Steve, himself, stands up there on stage and communicates that for us all to hear. They don't have some hidden, sly agenda. It takes money to do what they do. While it's easy to focus on just the money-making goal alone, one must take it in context. Apple has not wavered from a commitment to quality. If anything, their insane revenues enable them to pursue it even more.

http://www.truveo.com/Is-the-NSA-reading-your-email-pbsorgFRONTLINE/id/2778418705