News · 13 Jul 2011 · MTW Editorial Team
Microsoft has just licensed several augmented reality patents from a company named GeoVector. From the looks of it the technology in question seems to be similar to what other companies like Google are doing with their services (and it’s quite possible that the big G also licensed the same patents awhile ago). This obviously means that we can expect AR features using the compass and Gyro in an upcoming update to Bing Maps on Windows Phone (WP7, Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8). Just keep in mind that today’s licensing agreement doesn’t mean that Microsoft has just started to work on this stuff. This is essentially done to protect the company from being sued in the future as the press releases clearly says that “The non-exclusive multi-year agreement gives Microsoft rights to use concepts covered by GeoVector’s patents” . Full PR after the break:
Microsoft Licenses Unique Technology for Augmented Reality and Pointing-Based Mobile Local Search from GeoVector
Licensing Agreement Provides Microsoft with access to GeoVector’s Substantial Portfolio of Patents for Spatially Aware Mobile Computing
San Francisco, CA – July 13, 2011Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) has entered into a licensing agreement with GeoVector® Corporation, the world leader in Augmented Reality and pointing-based local search solutions for mobile devices. The non-exclusive multi-year agreement gives Microsoft rights to use concepts covered by GeoVector’s patents.
“We are thrilled to have Microsoft join the growing number of GeoVector licensees,” said John Ellenby, GeoVector’s President and CEO. “This agreement further validates GeoVector’s industry-leading patent portfolio and enables us to focus on additional licensing opportunities as we bring our location-based technology to market through our partners and licensees.”
The patents included in the agreement cover Augmented Reality, pointing-based local search and other aspects of spatially aware mobile computing. Other terms of the agreement were not released.
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