Four years ago Apple filed for a patent that would allow a device display to go into "privacy mode" wherein only the user directly in front of the display could actually read content on the screen, with everyone else on an angle being unable to view the same content. While Apple's invention has yet to come to market, we found a patent application from Microsoft on this very same invention idea this past week. Microsoft says that there are times when a user is in an airplane cabin, a library or a café and would like to ensure that the content that they're viewing remains private from those sitting close to them or those looking over their shoulder. Who will bring this feature to market first? Only time will tell. For now, you could check out Patently Mobile's full report here.

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