We're not sure this is still relevant -- the patent was filed in May of 2006 -- but the USPTO has just published a patent application from
Apple detailing a number of different 8cm to 12cm optical disk adapters. The application, credited to Tony Fadell, chief of the iPod division, says that since most software doesn't take up all of the available storage on a disk, it would be cheaper and simpler to use the 8cm disks when appropriate -- but that having to ship a standard adapter for slot-loading drives reduce any costs, because they're the same size as 12cm disks. The solution is to make the adapters smaller when they're not in use, and the filing goes on to detail several different folding and multi-part takes on the idea. Considering that such an adapter would make things slightly more complicated for the vast majority of Apple's all-slot-loading installed base, we can't see these ever actually shipping, but it's still an interesting idea.
posted November 30th 2007 10:56PM
"The problem with being a large, valuable company like Apple is that you attract a lot of attention from gold-diggers that are looking for cracks in your armor."
That doesn't explain why Apple so aggressively pursues leakers and patent infringers. Needing patents for defensive purposes does not justify offensive use of patents.
"And Microsoft is very actively protecting their IP. Remember the claims of central Linux patents, right?"
Microsoft hasn't sued anyone regarding that, much less "everyone they can". Microsoft cuts people's throats through other means that patent litigation. In the case of Linux, it looks like they have no alternative, yet they haven't shown that they can use patents against Linux yet.
"In Apple's defense they actively contribute to the FOSS community like WebKit, Darwin and CUPS without restrictive licensing."
They are forced to do that in most cases. Darwin they are not, but then Darwin isn't really open either. WebKit they are forced to open up, and the team they took from will tell you that Apple is certainly no help with the source give-backs. Regarding CUPS, Apple has chosen to buy out CUPS rather than risk valuable future CUPS works going GPL3. Within the OSS community, Apple doesn't generate that much enthusiasm. Don't know how it applies to the discussion rather than random Apple cheerleading.
"Microsoft has recently bought into the patent cooperative that aims to stop the patent trolling - but it's not stopping them from signing more licensing "agreements" with Linux distributors."
Same as Apple. Microsoft, on the other hand, strong-arms vendors into patent cross-licensing agreements in order to reduce patent infighting within the PC community. While I would never defend Microsoft, claiming that Apple v. MS is an example of good vs. evil regarding patents is absurd. Apple is, as far as I'm concerned, far more evil regarding IP than MS is. In IP issues, Apple is the biggest IP hypocrite among PC companies.
Once again, this has nothing to do with the justification for filing patents such as this. Andrew, you seem motivated to be an Apple apologist regarding this application. All companies do this crap. The embarrassing thing is that Engadget would put this forth as tech news. They aren't the first either.
completely moronic idea. once one of these comes apart in your drive you'd be screwed. this is why we download software.
Why not pay nitnendo and use their patent and make a drive that accepts both. The wii does it .
It's probably not even Nintendo's patent, it's most likely a generic DVD-ROM drive of it's type which is probably made by a big optical media manufacture (like Toshiba or someone). I know of auto-feed DVD-ROM drives which accept 8cm DVD-R discs I've burnt.
Anybody know TEAC here? Their slot loading drive accepts 8cm disk without any adapter, really cool stuff! Maybe Apple should just change their drive instead of creating this funny little thing...