HTC Creating New “Virtual Book” Touch UI?

To follow up on the successful innovation of Sense for Windows Mobile and Android, it seems HTC may be working on a new touch interface labeled “Virtual Book.” The book-like UI concentrates on flexibility and emphasizes organization with its cataloging system. The pages of the virtual book will act as a placeholder for applications, widgets and all other content on the device. Carriers will supposedly be able to implement their services and apps onto additional pages as well, sound familiar?

The HTC patent application specifies that the UI:

“organizes applications, widgets, and web pages into pages of a virtual book. Each page of the virtual book is the UI of a service or function of the handheld electronic device. Flipping the pages of the virtual book means browsing and selecting the services and functions provided by the handheld electronic device. This book-like UI enables the user to use and manage these applications, widgets, and web pages in an easy and intuitive way like browsing a conventional printed book. The book-like UI hides the differences among applications, widgets, and web pages so that the handheld electronic device can be accessed through a uniform and convenient UI.”

While it’s not clear what kind of device or platform the UI is targeting, the idea sounds quite interesting. It could be the basis of a new tablet product or the next evolution of TouchFLO 3D/Sense for mobile devices. HTC has been praised for their rich, customizable interfaces for Windows Mobile and Android, so hopefully the Virtual Book UI will succeed in extending the user experience for whatever device is lucky enough to sport it.

(via: Unwired View)