'Zune phone' patent application: It ain't ZenZui

The mysterious patent application image

(Credit: Mad4MobilePhones)

Earlier this week, Microsoft filed what appeared to be a patent application for a smart phone interface, causing many a blog to begin speculating that maybe it was for a "Zune phone" (for better or for worse)--something that's been talked about for some time now. The images in the application, showing a tiled graphical interface, definitely look somewhat iPhone-ish, and plenty of buzz arose that perhaps Microsoft was trying to develop an "iPhone killer."

ZenZui's tiled user interface

(Credit: ZenZui)

But a few sharp eyes (namely, those of our Microsoft guru Ina Fried) noticed that the interface also bore a striking resemblance to that of the software made by ZenZui, the Seattle-based mobile Web start-up that's using Microsoft's research labs to develop a "zoomable" user interface for smart phones. (Not to be confused with Deepfish, a "zoomable interface" browser developed by Microsoft Labs that aims to facilitate Web surfing on small screens.)

So we called up ZenZui to check it out. But company co-founder John SanGiovanni was quick to debunk the speculation: the patent application, he said, does not depict a "zoomable" interface and is unrelated to ZenZui's technology. As for what it actually was, he said he didn't know.

So maybe it is a "Zune phone." Or not. I suppose tiled interfaces are just rather hot right now.

[GatesOfHell]

1 Down, 1 To Go

Now that the Zune has thoroughly killed the iPod, I can't wait for
that world-famous Microsoft innovation to kick in once again and
make the iPhone DOA.

[Jesus#2]

Balmer?

Is that you?

I've never actually seen a Zune in person... I work in a University/
Hospital... that says something.

White earbuds and Nanos abound...

[shycelticwitch]

Don't know what planet you're living on...

I've heard of Zune, briefly, but never seen it. As for it killing the
iPod? I think you've been dreaming after watching too many Mac
commercials. And Microsoft will NEVER EVER catch up with Apple
in electronics technology except in their dreams!

[JTaylorCU]

I think he was joking

You guys need to see the sarcasm lol