Let’s take a quick break from the constant stream of patent troll news and circle back to where it all began – innovation. As important as it is to keep an eye on all the politics of the patent world, it can be just as important to remember that new technologies are still underway and that companies all over the world are still pushing the envelope when it comes to design.

Here’s a brief look at what some of these companies are up to:

Apple’s iPhone 5s is all set to launch tomorrow and fans are buzzing about the new phone’s features. More than anything, the new smartphone will come equipped with a new fingerprint scanner and Touch ID security system.

Don’t worry about forgetting your password or anyone else “hacking” into your phone. Just place your finger on the built in home button and watch in awe as it scans your fingerprint and confirms your identity.

Imagine being able to text message, capture and send photos and videos using only your eyesight. TelepathEye Inc. recently received two patents covering an eyewear device capable of projecting an augmented reality menu and detecting the user’s eye gaze.

Alphanumeric characters and symbols would be arranged on a virtual flywheel, with only a few visible at a time, spinning based on where a user looks and rapidly selecting the appropriate characters. It’s an advanced hands-free, voice-free way of communicating via mobile device, and we can’t wait to see what happens with it.

In medical news, Austin-based company Mystic Pharmaceuticals recently received new patents
for its eye drop delivery system VersiDoser, designed to house individual eye drop packages in order to deliver the exact right amount to each eye. The new device is predicted to reduce drug waste by up to 80%, lowering the cost of goods manufactured by up to 65%.

These are just a few of the amazing new advancements being made, and just a tiny percentage of the patents being granted. As patent trolls take over the market, and the news stream, these small but significant developments can be a breath of fresh air. Do you know of any
interesting advances in your industry? Share them with us in the comments!