MS Seeks Patent On Virtual Fuzzy Dice

theodp writes "Microsoft just published a patent application for an adaptive heads-up user interface for automobiles. It covers, among other things, virtual fuzzy dice that appear to move with automobile movements."

Great

[Anonymous Coward]

Just what we need from a heads-up display: something which conveys no useful information and serves only to distract the driver from their main job of keeping the car on the road. This strikes me as a perfect example of the rule that, simply because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.

Another driver's distraction!

[G4from128k]

Just what the motoring public needs, another source of distraction. I can see it now. People will hack the fuzzy dice to do all sorts of amusing things, notice them while driving, and crash (physically, not in the software sense).

On the plus side, I would imagine this "feature" will get the device banned under California's no "entertainment" video displays in sight of the driver whilst the car is in motion.

Re:Great

[somersault]

"Simply because you can do something, doesn't mean you should."

I thought that was one of Microsofts' main beliefs.. simply because they can put out (largely) pointless new versions of Office and Windows, they do. They also charge insane amounts for little extra functionality, just because they can. At least people are catching on a bit with Vista.

Distractions

[sjaguar]

Okay, if done nicely, I wouldn't mind a heads-up display (HUD). But does the general driving population need more driving distractions? Also, would other drivers be able to see it (say from behind)? Other vehicle's TVs and crap dangling from the rearview mirror always bugs me.

Re:Obviousness Criteria

[GIL_Dude]

I'm not sure it would even be that useful if GM/Ford/BWM or whoever did it. It would probably be ad-supported anyway. Can you just imagine?

Hey, driver - you need new wiper blades. Check out the specials at Pep Boys (tm)! While there, get an oil change!

I just hope that never comes true!

Re:What will they patent next...

[Andrewkov]

You should patent that before someone from Microsoft reads your post!

Nothing new here

[Gazzonyx]

Unfortunately, consumerism isn't driven by the "ability does not dictate necessity" mentality. Just take a look at the cars on the road to see this in action. How many SUV's do you see? There would be no Escalades if people didn't want lots of "chrome". We're all guilty of feeding this cycle, as I see it.

Re:Obviousness Criteria

[djh101010]

Oh, and the laptop is one year old, so it was six months old when it started this crap.

Seems to me, that'd be a great time to call Dell for a warranty replacement of the battery. Make their advertising scheme cost them. "Your app tells me that my battery, which is only 6 months old, is already crap. Send me a new one."

Re:Obviousness Criteria

[conspirator57]

except the battery is fine. There's just some damn bit stuck somewhere that it's reading and setting off this ad/nag ware. My beef, and the GGP's beef is with the ad/nagware. I don't want it there, and I can't find a control panel item or other overt way to disable it, though it hasn't gotten annoying enough to send me registry hacking yet.

Re:Obviousness Criteria

[Phroggy]

Then they can either send you a new battery any, or tell you how to fix it. Or both (if they send you a new battery and that doesn't solve the problem, then they can tell you how to fix it).