The aim is to prevent gadgets becoming prohibitively expensive because a single device may make use of tens of thousands of patented inventions.

BBC: Tech firms and regulators meet at UN patent pow-wow

Apple introduced its version, called Fusion Drive, that tiers storage on flash memory or a HDD depending upon frequency of use, but appearing to the user as a single storage device.

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We are confident that users will deeply appreciate the ability to print, scan, copy, fax and access Internet wirelessly, all through a single device that is incredibly easy to set up and use.

ENGADGET: HP's new all-in-one printer adds more to that 'all', turns into a WiFi hotspot

Motorola (nyse: MOT - news - people ) may applaud the fact that, "Millions of kids can now 'LOL' and 'BFF' in the bedroom, on the stairs or even in the bathroom, " but not one person who saw the device in action during our testing could think of a single use for it.

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