BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) has added 27 more patents in its portfolio of 44,000 patents to date, says a report from Bloomberg. Among the 27 patents awarded, some are related to conference call services for customers.
New patents cover many technologies
Some of BlackBerry’s new patents relate to wearables, such as Watch or Lanyard, that allows access to a smartphone without the need of a pass-code. One of the patents talks about the touchscreen case allowing writing notes on the case without any need to open it.
The patent in which the company talks about unlocking the phone without an unlock code is similar to various Android wear apps, but this one is slightly different as it allows a standalone device with a physical clip to be closed so that a wearable can enter the smart device without a lock code.
If BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) brings this feature to its devices, then users will not have to worry about their watches unlocking their phones even if the user is not wearing it. However, this patent would not solve the issue that a smartwatch can unlock the device even if it is not held in the hand, but is sitting on a desk or in a charging outlet.
BlackBerry working on many features
The Canadian smartphone maker is already preparing to bring BBM meetings to its phones this year, which will allow the users to engage in a conference call.
BlackBerry is extending its offerings for the corporate users after its comeback efforts in consumer category failed last year. This November the company is prepping to unveil a new smartphone and an updated Small Business Enterprise Server, as well as back-office computer software organizations used to send e-mails and synchronize appointments.
During a meeting with reporters in September, CEO John Chen said that company is determined to launch new devices. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company has been in the limelight this year by launching the unconventional Passport smartphone, and then promising a slew of new tools for the corporate world. Recently, there have been rumors that Lenovo is interested in acquiring BlackBerry.
On Wednesday, BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) shares were down 2.56% to $9.89, while year to date shares are up over 36%.
