Apple finally won its patent on the iPhone, filed in December of 2007, and may now legally rule the market of capacitive touch-screen phones. PC Mag reports that the patent’s language is so broad that Apple possibly owns the concept of multitouch smartphones and even multitouch tablets. Intellectual property and patent experts predict that Apple will file lawsuits against competitors who make smartphones (like HTC, Motorola, Nokia, etc.) or competitors that run similar operating systems (like Android).

Ford’s Sync system will be able to connect with smartphones in 2012 through an option called Sync AppLink. The Sync AppLink option is already available on the Ford Fiesta, and Reuters reports that it will soon be available on the Fusion, F-150 and Expedition. The Sync-to-smartphone connection is beneficial to driving safety, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road by allowing the driver to access smartphone apps via the car’s command system. Ford plans for Sync SmartLink to eventually be a factory option for all Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Shazam, a mobile music service that takes short audio recordings to identify what users are listening to, may extend their services to television. While the company’s apps currently allow users to quickly learn the name of a song playing on the radio, Shazam may soon be known for displaying discounts and bonus content when users “Shazam” television advertisements. All Things D reports that Shazam is already making deals with MTV, Syfy and Old Navy, and that they have raised $32 million in investments for this expansion.

Hulu may soon be in the hands of Yahoo Inc. Yahoo is reported to have approached Hulu about a possible acquisition, according to the LA Times. Hulu is currently owned by News Corp., Walt Disney Co. and Comcast Corp., though spokespeople for the companies have declined to comment  and Hulu’s board has reportedly not yet met to consider Yahoo’s offer.

Camera start-up Lytro is developing a new type of sensor for digital cameras that makes focusing before shooting photos unnecessary. The sensor reads light fields, and the photos that result from it can be focused after they’re taken, once they’re opened in editing software. The ability to change focus from foreground to background with a single click will be available in a camera Lytro will make themselves, which All Things D reports will be available for a reasonable price.

Browser extension Like +1 boasts that it “reduces your risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome up to 50%” by reducing the number of times you have to click. The extension turns Facebook Like Buttons into Like +1 Buttons, which simultaneously like an item on Facebook and give it a +1 on Google. TechCrunch reports that the app also saves a record of everything you Like +1, should you ever want to export and study that data.

Ping Identity has gained investors Triangle Peak Partners and Silicon Valley Bank, raising $21 million for their secure sign-in platforms. According to TechCrunch, the new investors join Appian Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, General Catalyst Partners, SAP Ventures and Volition Capital.

New York City’s BigApps Ideas Challenge has changed its methods: instead of asking developers for apps to help New Yorkers, they asked New Yorkers what kind of apps they wanted. Unsurprisingly, suggestions include apps that show the nearest available taxi or public restrooms and drinking fountains. Others have asked for an app that explains how and where to dispose of refuse, recyclables and donations.