Microsoft patenting Windows Phone 7 panoramic UI
updated 04:50 pm EDT, Thu April 1, 2010
Microsoft files for WP7 panoramic UI patent
It was revealed on Thursday that Microsoft has filed a patent for its Panoramic User Interface used in its latest Windows Phone 7. If the September 2008 patent gets approved in its entirety, it will make it more difficult for competitors to create a similar interface without Microsoft's permission and knowledge.
Panoramic User Interface lets users side-scroll through menus like a slideshow, with the windows wrapping around back to the beginning. As Microsoft describes it, the effect also comes through a contiguous background and a collection of mixed-media content objects.
Other patent applications pertaining to Windows Phone 7 Series OS are expected as Microsoft tries to protect its intellectual property. [via UnwiredView]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2010
Same as iPhone home screen
The iPhone home screen already works like this. It's a grid of 64x4 icons that you look at 1/16th at a time, so you're always seeing 4x4.