Microsoft Awarded Patent For Sliding Mobile Device Yesterday

Well I guess finally Microsofts  acquisition of Danger has gotten them something in return. Microsoft has just been awarded a patent for sliding mobile devices. This is probably one of the most ‘out of the blue’ patents I have ever heard. A patent that covers the mechanics and the idea of a mobile device having a part that slides out. We have seen devices use this type of tech for ages now. Take a look at the summary and images below, the patent looks pretty broad and looks like it covers it all. I am sure Microsoft won’t go out and sue anyone for the patent but they will definitely keep it close to the chest for future ammunition.

I am really still in shock that this patent was awarded to Microsoft this late in the game. I am surprised that this patent hasn’t been taken by any company for over a decade.

Patent Number:20110195752 

Moveable Housing of a Mobile Communications Device :

Mobile communications devices having moveable housings are described. In an implementation, a mobile communications device includes a first housing that includes a display device; and a second housing that includes a keyboard. At least one of the first or second housings are moveable between a first configuration in which the first housing substantially covers the second housing so the keyboard is covered and the display device is viewable and a second configuration in which the keyboard is exposed and positioned such that an outer plane of the keyboard is positioned in a substantially similar plane to that of an outer surface of the display device.

Source: wmpu