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Google’s latest patent application will no doubt step on a few toes, but it appears that the boys at Mountain View are looking to enter into the desktop/laptop market if this recently revealed patent is any indication. Ever since Android dominated the smartphone and tablets markets, I’ve been waiting for Google to bring the Android OS into the only place it can go — the desktop market.
To help Android transition into laptops and desktops, is a patent filed by Google in Q3 of last year (just now published in February) detailing a few multitouch gestures that can be done on a trackpad in lieu of a touchscreen. And while Android 4.0 works okay with a mouse, multitouch gestures are definitely the way to go, that is, unless clicking and dragging the screen all day is practical to you.
If nothing else, this uncovered patent adds more weight to previous rumors that Google could be implementing a “desktop mode” into the next version of Android 5.0 Jelly Bean. Could Google have a Jelly Bean netbook up their sleeves? Or are they simply trying to better accommodate Android OEM’s who want to manufacture tablet/netbook hybrids like the Transformer Prime?
All I know is Android just got even more appealing with better support for Intel and x86 processors and soon, multitouch support right out of the box. Oooooh… Apple and Microsoft are going to be so mad when they see this. I’m sure most of you already have Android smartphones and tablets. Got room for a little more Android on your desk/lap?
[PatentlyApple | Via AndroidandMe]
Android 4.0 looks a lot better than what Windows 8 looks like. Not a huge fan of all the times
So long as Google are only planning for docs then great. Just dont go after the desktop, its too much effort. let android and usage evolve together. The desktop will move more and more extreme for power users (games, dtp, 3d modelling etc).
I’m a huge supporter of moves like this. Android can do everything windows can already, it just needs software support. Track pad drivers are one more step. Android is Linux under it all remember.
Looking forward. Can’t wait.
I half expect for Google to be declined these patents, then be awarded to apple a year or two later and they go after the OEMs that manufacturers android products.
this makes me think of another chrome book-like ultrabook. but instead of running chrome, it just runs android, maybe it gets sold for a lower price and gives the consumer more options?
What about this being for a docking station for the new Google tablet called Nexasus and obviously manufactured by Asus?
Lol the fruit is just going to sue anyways. It will blatantly claims this is its “innovation” or “magic”
It’s funny because you aren’t exaggerating at all lol
This is already implemented in Chrome OS, so what makes you think it’s Android related? Just asking…
The patent describes multitouch gestures and taps that correspond to touches on a touchscreen device. Chrome OS doesn’t have a touchscreen. =p
The Asus Transformer does though :)
Would jump at the opportunity to dump Windows from my desktop if I could run Android instead !!!!!
Wouldn’t Jelly Bean be Android 4.1 and not 5.0. This is a mistake I have been seeing a lot lately.
no…. every new MAJOR version ( name change) should bring a new version number. 4.1 SHOULD still be a ICS version just revised
wasn’t android 2.1 Eclair?
and android 2.2 Froyo?
and android 2.3 Gingerbread?
and those were MAJOR version (name change) editions…
i agree with you that it was like that, i just didn’t agree with the way they were doing it. it makes more sense, first digit is major release version. 3rd digit is minor updates, and 2nd digit is for revision.
iOS does it this way and it just makes more sense, every year they release a new x.0.0 version
ive been saying this since we first saw 3.0.0
your average computer user has a computer for facebook, netflix, youtube, email, and maybe a music program. android can definetly do all that.
windows 8 is going to alinate a lot of people, because it looks and acts NOTHING like the MS windows the entire world uses. when they look for an alternative, they shouldn’t just see a mac and get that. they should have options. and an android laptop has HUGE oppurtunity to do this.
the transformer was a huge sucess not because it was the best tablet, but because to people who know, it was an android laptop.
google and the OEMs have a huge oppurtunity to release a jelly bean ultrabook. it will suceed, windows 8 guarentees that.
“Ever since Android dominated the smartphone and tablets markets”
Wait, when did this happen? Yes, Android dominates the smartphone market, but it’s barely made a dent in Apple’s tablet market.
I really don’t see the point of having android on a laptop/desktop, especially from a power user point of view.
But then again, companies stopped caring about power users a long time ago.