Microsoft has filed for a smart zoom patent with the USPTO. The filing, titled “Changing between display device viewing modes,” describes a method to automatically zoom in and out depending on the distance from user’s eyes.
Embodiments that relate facilitating the viewing of images on a mobile device are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a mobile device including a display screen and an image display system configured to selectively switch between a first viewing mode in which an image comprising a first amount of visual information is displayed at a first apparent distance from the display screen and a second viewing mode in which an image comprising a second, different amount of visual information is displayed at a second apparent distance from the display screen. The mobile device further includes a controller in communication with the image display system, wherein the controller is configured to switch between the first viewing mode and the second viewing mode.
The Redmond giant is trying to make content consumption on smaller screens a more enjoyable experience. By zooming in and out based on user’s position relative to the phone, you will be able to seamlessly zoom in content (maps, images, text) just by moving the phone closer to your face; and the other way round.
Sounds pretty cool though we think Microsoft needs much more than these sort of gimmicks to stay gain market share in today’s mobile market. Like launch a universal Windows that works across different form factors. 😉
[Via: WMpoweruser]