Microsoft has already patented that:

Microsoft patents cool multi-touch virtual keyboard
Microsoft's patent covers the automatic appearance of a keyboard if it recognizes the palm and fingers of both hands on a multi-touch screen.

http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=8236

The battery is rechargable. This is a great idea, and pretty cheap too. I might just get one.

How's this for reality - HTC's Q2 2009 sales are up 25% YoY, with revenue up 20% between Q1 and Q2 2009?
http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=6417

Violating copywrite for interoperability is legal.

TL;DNR

MS increased the height of the softkeys to make them more finger-friendly, and then used the extra space for something, in this case being volume and signal strength indicators. They also made the top bar narrower, and by moving some indicators downwards made it less cluttered.

There is a logic to what they are doing, even if you don't agree with it.

This will work when pointed at the back of the screen, e.g. while you are sitting at starbucks or at the airport.

No Asuka, its far from enough. How about banning SUV's and doubling fuel taxes? How about radically increasing fuel consumption targets? Those would be real progressive moves, not some inconsequential gestures.

Hey Asuka, your argument would make sense if there was any evidence if USA moving beyond gasoline. In fact, the most tangible evidence of being serious about oil consumption would be popularizing cars just big enough to actually do its function of transporting people, rather than massive SUV's who's only function is to show off.

So again, where is your evidence for "the rest of the world moves on to better things."

For people who do not think Mac sales have dropped for 2 consecutive months because of the economy (vs PC sales rising), is it then because people don't like what Apple delivers anymore.

Its either one or the other, isn't it?