Windows Mobile Smartphone: Microsoft Trying to Cure Annoying Smartphone Problem

“In some implementations a communications device may be placed in an inconspicuous mode in which its display and certain hardware features are modified so that the device is better suited for an environment such as a theater or other venue in which individuals other than the user do not wish to be disturbed by the communication device. While in the inconspicuous mode, specific features may be disabled such as the generation of sound. Additionally, the appearance of the display may be changed. For instance, the brightness may be decreased, the contrast may be increased, and information presented on the home or default screen will be changed. For instance, all information and notifications may be removed from the screen except for a limited number of items that may be user-selectable. For instance, in one implementation, any background images may be replaced with a dark solid color and only a single notification (e.g., time-of-day) is presented which is easy to read on the dark screen. In one particular implementation, the communication device is configured to enter the inconspicuous mode upon user request or upon detecting at least one environmental condition using a sensor available to the mobile communication device. The environmental condition may be anything that can be detected or sensed by the mobile communication device while in the venue or other environment. The sensor determines if the detected environmental condition satisfies at least one prescribed criterion. If it does, the communication device switches from a normal mode of operation to an inconspicuous mode of operation in which a reduced set of information is presented on a home screen of a display of the mobile communication device in comparison to a set of information presented on the home screen of the display of the mobile communication device in the normal mode of operation. The home screen in the inconspicuous mode of operation is less obtrusive or conspicuous to individuals than in the normal mode of operation.”

What do you think about this patent application from Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)? Is it overkill or could this type of technology be useful in today’s day and age?

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