Many of the deep fryers I've used years ago had magnetic power connectors. How is Apple's design different? Is it just because it is "on a laptop", and not "on a hot oil basket"?

Edit: I looked up the patent, and it appears they've patented various improvements to the connector, such as universal orientation (can plug it in either direction), and something to do with the polarity of the magnets.

It looks like Microsoft got their patent because it transmits data as well as power.

And yet, they wouldn't have been able to use it if Apple didn't let them, because it does power - and that's covered by Apple's patent.

Luckily (for them) most of the incumbents have patent cross-licensing deals, so MS doesn't worry about Apple suing them for patent infringement, and vice versa.

Better not tell the Pebble watch people then, they might get sued.