Edit: Reader points out that the patent is filed before Intelliscreen is released. So Apple does not copy the idea from Intelliscreen.
Apple has recently filed a patent called “At A Glance” notification screen. It will show calls, SMS, voicemail and possibility detailed date and time information on the lock screen. Intelliscreen has already done the similar job. Intelliscreen is now disturbuted using unofficial way, Cydia Installer. Users need to jailbreak in order to use it. Now, Apple has filed a patent which is similar to the function of Intelliscreen. Are they stealing ideas?
The reason why Intelliscreen cannot go to the App Store is that it didn’t follow the strict iPhone SDK guideline. Apple has full control to decide which apps is okay for customers. This is questioned recently as users think that Podcaster (a useful podcast download apps) shouldn’t be banned. And now it is questioned because Apple is trying to steal ideas from unofficial apps. Apple has the right to control all of you developers, but it seems you don’t have the right to stop them to patent your ideas.
[via World News]
The patent was filed before the iPhone was jailbroken, and certainly before intelliscreen was released.
It’s an obvious and unoriginal (see windows mobile, blackberry, and every smartphone ever) idea and Apple shouldn’t be able to patent it; but its not a stolen idea.
Thanks Paul! News updated.