Microsoft patents method for streaming software, games

The new Microsoft tablet, Surface, could have streaming software

Anyone with a computer or a smartphone has likely streamed video at some point, whether it's been to watch the latest goofy self-help video on YouTube or to follow breaking news feeds from the other side of the world.

Now Microsoft wants to stream the software you use every day.

The Redmond software company was awarded a patent Thursday for technology that would allow people to use Microsoft?s software without having to download it onto whatever device they?re using.

The patent application describes a way to make software, such as Microsoft Word or a video game, available in pieces to the person using at that moment, and to predict what parts the person will want next.

?In order to make efficient use of finite transmission bandwidth, the platform attempts to predict which component(s) are likely to be used next, and then uses otherwise idle resources to download those components in advance of an actual request for their use,? the patent states.

While the patent application uses a video game as an example, it also states ?almost any software theoretically could be modularized in this fashion.?

The technology seems to rely on a user?s predictability. So, for example, if you use Word the way most people use Word, you?d be all set. But if you?re building macros and creating complicated tables, this might not be a good solution.

With Microsoft?s recent announcement that it has developed a tablet to compete with Apple?s iPad and Amazon?s Kindle Fire, it?s easy to see how a streaming software or gaming system could be appealing. It would take up far less space on a device with limited storage, but would be available as long as the user is connected to the internet.

And who?s not connected these days?

Emily Parkhurst covers the technology industry for the Puget Sound Business Journal/TechFlash.

Source: http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~r/vertical_47/~3/ihFDl7gUfmY/microsoft-patents-streaming-software.html

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