Microsoft patents recording device to curb shortened attention spans

Mirosoft patents recording device to curb shortened attention spans

Time was, secretaries executive assistants were tasked with the chore of summing up a meeting’s minutes so the less focused suits could play catch-up afterwards. Not so with this vision of the automated boardroom as put forth by a newly awarded Microsoft patent. Filed back in February of 2006, the doc outlines a computer-based method for recording live audio and video (including presentation slides), a system of monitoring a user’s computer activity and tracking moments of attention loss. Sounds like Redmond’s crafting an enterprise version of “gotcha!,” but it’s not so sinister. The proposed recorder would actually make recommendations based on the moments your focus drifted off, replete with full A/V playback and even the ability to hone in and amplify an individual speaker’s voice. It’s easy to see how this theoretic tech could wind up worming its way out of concrete towers and integrating into classrooms of the future (and even homes). For now, content yourself with the full-on legalese available at the source link below.

Microsoft patents recording device to curb shortened attention spans originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola patent win might result in US import ban for Apple

Hmmm, long and drawn out affairs in the court room is definitely not something that companies would want to go through, but Apple and Motorola have had their fair share of legal spats in the past. One of the latest developments see the U.S. International Trade Commission announce that it will review an April ruling which decidedly targeted select Apple products to have infringed upon a Motorola Wi-Fi patent, and this might just result in an import ban on products that make use of this bit of technology. The ITC review is crucial, as it is the next logical step when a company wants to look for a ban against the offending Apple products, among them include the iPhone and iPad.

All Things D noted that the ITC’s review is currently being “powered”, so to speak, by petitions from Motorola and Apple, surrounding claim construction, validity and infringement. Apple intends to invoke FRAND licensing practices within the case by making an argument on whether the patent should even be enforced in the first place or not. What do you think the outcome will be like?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: German court rules in favor of Motorola in case against Apple, German court grants Motorola injunction against Apple’s iCloud and MobileMe push email service and client devices (Update: Apple to appeal),

Microsoft co-operative touch pen input mechanism

Microsoft’s Surface tablet has certainly made quite the (positive) impression upon the masses when it was first announced recently, and all I can say is, the entire industry is looking forward to the Surface making a big splash when it arrives later in the year – and hopefully giving the iPad as well as Android-powered tablet manufacturers a nice kick in the rear end to sit up and take notice. With a new player in town backed by Microsoft’s billions, you can be rest assured that Microsoft is in it for the long haul – just like how they pumped in enough money to make the Xbox a success with its descendant, the current Xbox 360. We are here to talk about Microsoft’s recent invention, a co-operative touch pen input mechanism that is said to be used in tandem with the new Microsoft Surface tablet.

The patent calls it the Interpretation and Behavior Selection Module (IBSM), where this particular technology enables a user to execute a range of combination gestures that involves both touch and pen so that a particular task can be performed afterwards. Microsoft also says that additional inputs will be thrown into the mix later on, making it a living, breathing library of input mechanisms.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Microsoft Surface rumored to sell for $599 , Microsoft’s Surface tablet to have Wi-Fi only support?,