Sneak is almost persuaded of the sense behind a recent patent application for what is, basically, an upside-down mobile phone. London-based inventor Anthony Harrison has filed a patent for a candybar-style phone with the screen below the keypad, rather than above it. The sketch in the application looks exactly like a Nokia 6233 held upside down. The drawing is not very detailed, but presumably Harrison intends to flip the lettering on the buttons to save neck-strain. The reasoning behind this seemingly contrary design is that it’s easier to type text messages with your thumb if the handset is nestling deep in your palm, rather than perching among your fingertips. Although there does seem to be some merit in the notion, it would help if thumbs were transparent.
Sneak wonders what other innovations, other than Microsoft’s patching policy, make more sense when turned topsy-turvy.

06 Feb 2007