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Creative Has MP3 Player Interface Patent

Posted by Zonk on from the big-winner dept.

indie1982 writes "BBC News online is reporting that Creative has been awarded the patent for the interface that many MP3 players use. The patent covers the way files are organised and navigated on a player using a using a hierarchy of menus, a system that Creative's own Nomad jukebox and Apple's iPod range use." Commentary also available at CNet. Reports trend towards an attempt to capitalize on Apple's mistake. From the BBC article: "Creative said the patent applied to its players, as well as some competing products such as the Apple's iPod and iPod mini. The patent covers how files on a music player are organised. Creative was one of the first companies to produce MP3 players but has lost out to Apple which dominates the market. The Creative announcement is the latest salvo in its self-declared war against Apple. "

7 of 392 comments (clear)

  1. Why are they called 'Creative?' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    First Nintendo patents insanity, now this. I don't know who patented stupidity, but I bet he is one rich man.

    1. Re:Why are they called 'Creative?' by The+Bungi · · Score: 3, Funny

      Oh, no. There's lots of prior art out there.

    2. Re:Why are they called 'Creative?' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I'm afraid stupidity was inadvertently released under the BSD license, making it freely available to all.

  2. Creative Zen by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    What kind of interface do they use for the infect operation?

  3. In other news... by Vapebait · · Score: 3, Funny

    Creative patent the innovative use of virii on MP3 players.

  4. MP3 devices will sort music by the Dewey Decimal.. by sTalking_Goat · · Score: 3, Funny
    ...System.

    ...and Librarians throught the US will smirk quietly in triumph.

    --

    My days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle...

  5. Re:I am so pissed off... by VaticDart · · Score: 3, Funny
    I'm going to apply for a patent on my brilliant idea of displaying a threaded discussion forum by the "scores" given to individual postings. A user will be able to set a "threshold" and only see things that score above their threshold.

    I dare you to respond! Only more money in my pocket!