Microsoft has filed for a trademark for the look and feel of Windows Phone 7 home screen and the live tiles it contains.

Microsoft writes:

“The mark consists of eight boxes; the upper left-hand box containing the word “PHONE” along with a telephone receiver; the upper right-hand box containing the word “PEOPLE”; the lower left-hand box containing the word “MESSAGING” along with a character face; the lower right-hand box containing the word “OUTLOOK” along with the letter “O”, an envelope and a check mark; the lower four boxes are empty.”

The design of the Windows Phone 7 UI is perhaps the only one in recent times which eschews the appearance of virtual real-world objects if favour of an “authentic digital” look which has little extras. IT should be noted that this UI has be widely copied, and unofficially by hackers on Android and even the Apple iPhone.

With this move to trademark Metro UI I don’t think Microsoft if going to give up the idea of their UI, and a side note that with it being ported Microsoft might think it has a jewel on their hands. You tell us PPCGeekers…. What does this all mean for Microsoft, and the UI that it gives it’s users? Is it rally that radical of a UI? Why is it so popular on the other platforms?

Source: WMPoweruser.com