Research In Motion (RIM) is going through a tough time as it tries to resurrect its business and devices. The Canadian maker of smartphones has even contemplated selling off its business piece by piece. If this was to happen, the most valuable assets the company has is a large pile of cash and numerous important patents. This is why many observers pay attention when RIM applies for a patent. The latest patent application from RIM has been unearthed and is one for a Mobile device that will also have a retractable keyboard. From the images and description in the Patent application it seems that the device is very similar to Microsoft’s Surface tablet.
This is not the first time RIM has looked at the tablet and laptop sector as a potential market for expansion. The BlackBerry Playbook was released in April 2011 but did not gain any commercial success and was dominated by Apple’s iPad. Many critics blamed RIM for rushing the device too quickly into the market and not providing features that were necessary including calendar and mail apps.
The patent filing with the United States Trademark and Patent Office does not mean that this new device will go into production or is even on the cards. It is interesting to see what direction RIM is taking and the moves they are making to get out the financial hole they are in. To get a better understanding of what the filing says the text is given below:
“An electronic device having a concealed keyboard includes a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled to the first housing, and a concealment cover coupled to a rear of the first housing. The first housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the first housing. The second housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the second housing. A receiving portion is formed on a rear surface of the first housing and is configured to receive the second housing. When the second housing is in the receiving portion, each respective side of the first housing and the second housing are co-terminal with one another. The concealment cover is exteriorly positioned with respect to the second housing when the second housing is in the receiving portion.”
Source: Mobile Syrup
Photo: N4BB
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