If you've been following the ongoing patent war between Apple and pretty much every OEM out there, well I've only got news for you: things are going to get even uglier.
Apple was recently awarded ownership of US patent #8223134, which covers "Portable electronic device, method, and graphical user interface for displaying electronic lists and documents" and about 30 other separate claims. The extremely broad terminology encompasses most UI features on a majority of today's smartphones, including "the displaying of documents on a screen, UI modules for a telephone, video player, camera, and browser, and even scrolling and a multitouch interface feature". This is pretty much bad new for any company currently producing smartphones, that isn't Apple.
Now I am admittedly an Android fan, favoring Google's OS over Apple's iOS, so I am a little biased when it comes to stuff like this. But, it seems that Apple isn't doing much innovating these days and instead, is attacking anyone that threatens their crowned jewels - the iPhone and iPad. The fact that they keep being granted these very broad software patents, is somewhat of a joke, and is just allowing them to stifle any direct competition. In Apple's eyes, companies like Samsung, HTC, Motorola and Google have "stolen" from them...which is pretty laughable when you think about it given Steve Jobs own comments on "stealing". While they see it as protecting their intellectual property, many would argue that all Apple really did was copy existing ideas and just make them "prettier".
While I do favor Google's offering, I will give Apple credit where credit is due. They did single handedly change the face of the cell phone market with the introduction of the first generation iPhone. I also have a MacBook Pro, which I love dearly. However, stories like these really make me hate them to a degree that may seem unhealthy.
Ultimately, this is a big fat loss for us consumers, as OEMs may need to start "dumbing" down their own smartphone offerings in order to avoid getting hit with an oncoming storm of lawsuits, thus limiting your choice of smartphone. While no lawsuits regarding this patent have been filed yet, you know Apple is just waiting to unleash their fury.
What do you think of this "victory" for Apple? Are you for them "protecting their intellectual property"? Or are you like me and think the US patent system is ridiculous for granting them this patent?
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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