Oh Samsung, you're not going to be happy about this one. Sony Ericsson is attempting to patent a device all too similar to the
i7 PMP you launched in January 2007. Filed on November 14th, 2006, the SE application ambiguously dubbed "Mobile information terminal apparatus and method of controlling the same" seems to have the gaming / cellphone combination as its primary focus yet extends to cover multimedia as well. They are also attempting to patent the rotary support mechanism: rotate the display by 90-degree increments to automatically switch between game, camera, TV or video, and phone modes. Of course, the i7 PMP only offers three modes depending upon the angle of rotation: camera, PMP, and MP3 player. Still, we imagine Samsung's patent application is just as ambiguously worded. We'll see how
the new, tougher USPTO rules on something which appears to be an obvious improvement to existing technology.
[Via
Unwired View]
posted Jun 1st 2007 9:49AM
Put it on it's side, and it looks a lot like a PSP.
IANAL, but if Samsung already has this product on the market, then wouldn't that make Sony's patent potentially invalid under prior art if Sony tries to make a case against Samsung?
Sony and Samsung have had a cross-patent agreement since 2003, along with several joint ventures. I highly doubt it is in the interest of either company to go head to head in a lawsuit.
Looks like the makings of a PSP phone to me
If it's just the rotating screen, there are others that can do that as well. I've seen AU phones in Japan designed with a swivel screen like that for viewing OneSeg.
That really does look like a PSP Phone! Is a Skype-like service finally coming to the PSP?
looks like SOny's Mobile TV phone. if it's a PSP phone, there's definitely lacking in button and button layout.
i think samsungs gonna have to choke a bitch