Software giant Microsoft has patented the idea of good manners on mobile phones.

Patent application 2008/125,102 covers technology it feels could address enforce a "digital manners policy," (DMP). The Patent abstract says that the present invention includes methods and technologies for defining and administering DMP.

"Similar to some of the social manners honored among people, such as with "no smoking" or "employees only" zones, "no swimming" or "no flash photography" areas, and scenarios for "please wash your hands" or "no talking out loud", devices may recognize and comply with analogous 'device manners' policy."

DMP-equipped devices would be capable of receiving and applying DMP "orders" given to them by an appropriate broadcast device.
 
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