Microsoft Sued Over Windows 8 Live Tiles

SurfCast claims that it invented the Live Tiles used in Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. As a result, the company claims that it is entitled to damages.

It is unclear how much of a case Surfcast really has, but the technology approaches are similar and rely on a communication framework between client devices and servers that store data. The difference is that Surfcast refers to its own servers as data store, while Microsoft's patent refers to general servers and not specifically its own to retrieve the data for updating the tiles. In fact, if Microsoft talks in its Live Tile patent about Microsoft servers, the company may be in hot water. If not, this case can be handled by interns.

Of course, the validity of Surfcast's patent could be questioned as well. The technology is very reminiscent of push-content technology that was aggressively (and unsuccessfully) promoted by Internet startup Pointcast in the late 1990s.

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Wolfgang Gruener
Contributor

Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.

  • killerclick
    Live tiles are just widgets.
    Reply
  • kawininjazx
    I was shocked when I read it wasn't Apple suing them.
    Reply
  • amuffin
    So, what about Apple and Google? Why just Microsoft?
    Reply
  • sslapikas
    Soon, very soon we will have time when everyone will be able to sue everyone for anything because at any time in future they had an idea about round wheel or even patented wheel with different type of roundness. Happy days for lawyers!
    I am going to sue every youngster who born on same day as me and have same name just because I did this first! Had to choose another day you losers! :)
    Reply
  • SteelCity1981
    as a result windows 9 will not have any live tiles. :)
    Reply
  • classzero
    amuffinSo, what about Apple and Google? Why just Microsoft?Because Apple and Google use static icons, not live tiles. Just a thought.
    Reply
  • classzero
    SteelCity1981as a result windows 9 will not have any live tiles.Yay!
    Reply
  • silverblue
    And Microsoft had live tile-effect graphics in Windows 1.01. Again, just a thought.
    Reply
  • vigorvermin
    SteelCity1981as a result windows 9 will not have any live tiles.
    More like they will just buy out SurfCast.
    Reply
  • ProVisionOman
    This is amazing. Microsoft is kinda going downhill now.
    Reply