View this article at: http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/11/02/apple.patents.zune/ Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 10:50am Briefly: Apple patents; Zune switchers? In brief: The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published numerous Apple patent applications which detail 'Techniques for acquiring a media season of digital media assets,' an 'On-line media store that supports pre-ordering of digital media assets,' and 'Rating media item groups'.... A survey conducted by ABI Research reveals that many prospective MP3 player buyers -- even iPod owners -- are likely to choose Microsoft's Zune player when the device hits shelves.... Google's ad revenue in the UK is expected to surpass Channel Four's predicted £800m, and will likley overtake ITV1 within 18 months.... FotoTime has announced a partnership with RealNetworks, offering SuperPass members access to FotoTime's online photo sharing and video services.... BenQ today released its new FP241W display ($1,100), the first 24-inch LCD to offer direct HDMI input.