thranx on 08 August 2010
Tpuch screen technologies are patented. http://www.switched.com/2009/04/09/apple-sued-over-touchscreen-patent-infringement/
But some companies may try to achieve the same things with different tech to overcome patents, or they just pay to use it. But you can bet all technology has patents. While I agree these technologies have existed seperatly, this is the first time all three are in one device that I know of. Ms could certainly sell the rights to use this tech to other compaines. I do think it will be similar to touch screens though, eventually I think it would be combined with touch screens in mobile devices.
