Does Apple Think We’re Stupid?
Sorry, stupid question. Of course they do. Why else would they be trying to patent instant messaging? That is what they are trying to do with the iPhone. For some reason, Apple believes that instant messaging on the iPhone is somehow unique and, therefore, patentable. Nevermind the prior art of instant messaging on Windows Mobile phones, or on pretty much any smart phone, or instant messaging in general. For some reason, Apple believes that instant messaging on the iPhone is a new invention.
Of course, the US Patent Office will blindly grant the patent to Apple. They seem to be completely incompetent when it comes to technology patents any more, especially when it comes to software patents.
When the US Patent Office grants the patent to Apple (and why wouldn’t they?), Apple will become the only company that can offer an IM application for the iPhone. At least, the only usable IM application. Third-parties can make IM applications for the iPhone, but with the restriction that it cannot run in the background. In other words, a completely useless IM client.
This patent will create a monopoly for Apple on the iPhone. If Microsoft did this, everyone would be up in arms and the EC would be banning Microsoft products from all of the EU. For some reason, Apple gets a free pass. Why this is, I don’t know. They have gotten to the point where they are worse than Microsoft was in their heyday. Yet, no one with any voice will call them on it, and those who do are labeled as Microsoft shills.
What I really don’t understand is why Apple users put up with the walled garden that Steve Jobs foists upon them. Windows is built upon choice, to an extent. Apple, however, would like nothing more than for you to only use their software in the ways that they prescribe. Even harder to understand is why developers still flock to Apple when they are actively being undermined by the very company that they depend on for their livelihood. Apple wants to be the only company that makes software for Apple computers and this patent makes it clear that they want to prevent third parties from filling any voids that they leave.