Apple awarded prized touchscreen patent

Amidst ongoing legal sparing over mobile technology, Apple has won a broad patent relating to the touchscreens found on its iPhone and iPad.

Apple has locked up the patent rights on a key piece of technology that makes the iPhone and iPad so irresistible to consumers. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded Apple the patent on Tuesday. The patent is concerned primarily with the way in which Apple’s software responds to user input on the touchscreen — not simply the touchscreen itself.

Here’s the official abstract that leads the document:

“A computer-implemented method, for use in conjunction with a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display, comprises displaying a portion of page content, including a frame displaying a portion of frame content and also including other content of the page, on the touch screen display. An N-finger translation gesture is detected on or near the touch screen display. In response, the page content, including the displayed portion of the frame content and the other content of the page, is translated to display a new portion of page content on the touch screen display. An M-finger translation gesture is detected on or near the touch screen display, where M is a different number than N. In response, the frame content is translated to display a new portion of frame content on the touch screen display, without translating the other content of the page.”

Apple had applied for the patent back in 2007. In October 2009, Nokia launched a lawsuit against Apple, claiming ten different patent infringements related to the iPhone. Apple responded by filing a countersuit, citing thirteen claims of patent infringement perpetrated by Nokia. However, the two rivals may be ready to play nice. Nokia announced last week that it had reached a licensing agreement with Apple said to be worth over $600 million.

In April of this year, Apple went on the offensive by launching a lawsuit against Samsung. Apple’s suit alleged that Samsung’s popular smartphone lineup is in essence a copy of Apple’s own designs. Samsung responded predictably with a countersuit accusing Apple of violating ten patents related to its own wireless technology.

It’s not clear if Apple’s newly acquired touchscreen patent will bring about a new flurry of legal activity. But given the highly litigious nature of the tech world in 21st century, we wouldn’t be surprised if Apple’s lawyers aren’t already gearing up for yet another standoff.

iPad 3 comparision iPad2

Apple earlier this year launched the Apple iPad 2 which is actually successor to iPad, one of the most selling Apple products. Apple iPad line is really dominating the tablet market, and iPad 2 is currently considered as one of the best tablets available in the market, and it’s also an arch rival of all Android and other tablets.

Well, as the tablet competition is getting tough, it looks like Apple is planning to launch the next iPad a.k.a iPad 3 later this year. According to Economic Daily, Apple will be launching the iPad 3 in Q4 and its display resolution will be 5-6 times higher than iPad 2, that’s mouth watering. As we recently told you that Apple iPad 3 might feature Samsung Super AMOLED display, which is currently known as the best display you can get on your phone or tablet, I think it’s confirmed that it will feature it. As Samsung Galaxy S II also comes with the same display, you all may know that its display is just stunning, even the Samsung Galaxy S display too.

Well, Samsung and Apple are currently going through some bad relationship, but I hope both companies will figure it out. I am sure that SAMOLED will take the iPad experience to the next level. Anyway, it’s just rumor so lets wait for some official words.

Orange UK Introduces iPhone and iPad Connect Plan

For those who can’t decide on the latest iPhone or an iPad, Orange UK has the solution for you: why not get both under one monthly plan that allows you to connect with both devices.

Billed as the Connected Plan, for £99 ($161) upfront, users can get their hands on a 16GB iPhone 4 and a 16GB iPad 2 on a £65 ($106) monthly contract for a two-year period. The plan will allow for 600 talk minutes, unlimited texts, WiFi connectivity, and a 2GB data allowance for the two devices.



The plan still seems on the high side, but is still more affordable than two separate contracts. It’s more likely though that Apple fans will wait until the iPhone 5 makes its debut before splurging on the Connected Plan.

The plan is open for existing Orange customers, but for those wanting to join, an additional £50 ($81) will be charged