Google buoys its patent portfolio with 217 more filings acquired from IBM
It’s not quite as big as some previous patent transactions between the two companies, but it looks like Google did a fair bit more shopping from IBM’s vast portfolio at the tail-end of 2011. As noted by the SEO by the Sea blog, IBM transferred 188 g…
Apple patent woos with tales of ultra-slim audio connectors for lusciously thin devices
We’re still a long way from reaching the point where our gadgets can’t get any thinner and, while the 8.7mm iPod Shuffle is just about king of the hill for the moment, Apple is already envisioning a future where where the humble 3.5mm audio jack is to…
Apple patent application for ‘Dynamically Generated Ring Tones’ could make magical videos of your friends
Ever wish life was like a movie, that theme songs went to highlight your every dramatic action? This patent application from Cupertino isn’t quite like that, but it’s close, basically creating dynamic music videos for your friends when they call. It d…
Apple attempts to patent kill switch that roots out unauthorized users, detects jailbreaks
Just about every mobile operating system manufacturer can remotely delete apps from the smartphones they help provide, but if a recent patent application is any indication, Apple’s looking to lock down the whole enchilada on future devices. The basic …