Nexus 7 Supports Magnetic Smart Covers, Can Somebody Say “Patent Lawsuit”?

This is certainly interesting, it turns out that Google’s Nexus 7 tab has a full magnetic cover sensor built right in.  This was discovered by an inquisitive owner of the device who decided to see what would happen if he out a magnet against the device. Surprisingly enough, it didn’t wipe the device but instead revealed that there are magnets all up and down the left side of the device which seems to hint at a cover that quite mimics Apple’s iPad smart cover. Google and ASUS do sell covers for the device but it’s unclear if they utilize this technology. But just like that, a case for the Nexus 7 popped up on Amazon that does use this technology to wake and put the tablet  to sleep. While Apple does have a patent of some sort of magnetic covers, it’s very specific and may not apply to this. Either way, we hope this doesn’t cause another patent war with Apple. If you want to see a little demonstration of the magnet, I’ve included a video for your viewing pleasure below. Would you use a smart cover for your Android tablet?

Android Police, Amazon

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Link 5 pts

Didn't the Blackberry have a magnetic sensor to do exactly this same thing? Maybe I'm too old to be posting here...

I really don't understand all of this patent bull. Google: "Oh, yeah, we added some magnets to the thing" Apple: "Hey, you can't add magnets, WE own all magnets!" Google:"But,,,, it's just a magnet... if someone wants to use a cover that does something, they should go ahead and be able to do that, right?"  Apple:"TO PATENT WAR!"

 

Magnets, how do they work?

JQuest81 87 pts

Shhh.. I hear footsteps... Oh no, here come the patent trolls... 

JaysonVelazquez 5 pts

Isn't Apples patent  only to secure the cover to the device only? Where as these Asus covers actually fit the device inside the cover so its like a case and a smart cover in one.

JosephAnthonyRobles 6 pts

Can somebody say Patent Lawsuit over Notification bar? Oh wait.....Google isn't a-holes like Apple.

spectremANDROID 7 pts

Sure. I'd use a magnetic cover. I like to keep my high tech... stuff... in good condition so I always protect it. it would be convenient to have a cover that serves at least two useful purposes.