June 16th, 2009
Microsoft seeks trademark for 'hohm'
Istartedsomething sleuth Long Zheng noticed on June 16 that Microsoft had submitted a trademark application for the name “hohm.”
Microsoft has been filing for trademarks on lots of potential names as of late. Not just “Bing,” “Kumo” and “Vine”, but “Sift” and “Swivel,” too. (No word still on when or whether either of those latter names might become final product names.)
TechFlash’s Todd Bishop notes that the application says Microsoft wants the term to cover the provision of “information to consumers over computer networks, wireless networks and the Internet.” Bishop wonders whether hohm could become a new brand for a home page.
I’m wondering whether it might be more likely that it has to do with a home networking service in Microsoft’s three-screen (PC/TV/mobile device) world. Or maybe a geekier Microsoft research project having to do with the electrical unit known as an ohm? A Windows Phone/Windows Mobile play on phoning home? It also could be Microsoft’s naming department attempting to throw nosy Microsoft watchers off the scent of another potential product name.
Any other guesses as to why Microsoft might want the “hohm” name?
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