Samsung has applied for a patent for a dual-operating system (OS) notebook and a phablet dock with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).
Samsung tablets usually run on Android operating systems. However, per the patent, if a Samsung smartphone or a phablet, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note, is docked in a notebook, it can run on Android as well as the Windows operating system.
Experts believe that such a patent will help Samsung make a move in the enterprise space, which Apple is currently leading.
The patent reveals that Samsung suggests other operating systems may also be applied, which means that the company may bring back its Tizen operating system.
The iPad and iPhone combination has allowed Apple to make notable advances in the enterprise space. Samsung's new patent may result in the development of a hybrid device for enterprise customers, which will result in eating up Apple's market share.
The solution may enable a notebook with phablet dock to access the Internet from the phablet and without the need for a Wi-Fi connection. The notebook may also become a charging dock for the phablet. A user can use the phablet on-the-go and dock the phablet to the hybrid notebook when needed.
The patent filing also suggests that the notebook may work without a phablet being docked to it. Customers will have the option to use Android or Windows when the phablet is docked to the notebook. However, in the absence of a phablet, the notebook will be booted with the Windows operating system.
Apple and Samsung are long known for their rivalry in the smartphone and tablet space. Both companies have also been engaged in courtroom battles over patent infringement. A hybrid device from Samsung with Microsoft's software will definitely pose a great threat to Apple's share in the enterprise space.
The South Korean company filed for the patent in the third quarter of 2014. However, it may still be a long wait for tech enthusiasts before such a product is made commercially available.
