Zune Phone still in question?

Could Microsoft still be contemplating the Zune Phone? It really wouldn't surprise me. Though with the apparent failure of the original Zune, I'm not so sure it's a wise idea to pursue it. But a new patent from Microsoft lets us know they haven't stopped thinking about mobile phones yet.

The patent is for a new way to organize information on “mobile devices such as smartphones and personal digital assistants.” They want to accomplish this by using tiles, which will show a minimal amount of data. However, when one is selected it shows additional content and allow basic functions. This is supposed to be easier than having a home screen where you click on icons to select which task you want to do.

The tiled interface is designed only to allow users to view basic information and perform simple tasks. You'll have to navigate away from the tile screen to do any actual work. Personally, I don't see the big deal about this. I've never found myself more than a couple of clicks away from what I need to do, why should I need an entirely new interface that can let me do a few basic tasks that I had no problem doing in the first place?

If they want a better way to simplify the user interface on a mobile phone they might want to check out the iPhone. It just doesn't get much easier than that. Plus it looks a whole lot better than the pictures Microsoft put on their patent application. Makes me feel like I'm back in the 90's.

Microsoft still pondering Zune Phone? [via Slashgear]