Microsoft planning to use smartphones as a computer CPU?

It appears that Microsoft has applied for a patent for a new type of desktop cradle for your smartphone that might make it a bit more useful. The desktop cradle offers connections for peripherals such as an external mouse or keyboard, allowing a smartphone to operate as an extremely portable CPU of sorts.

The dock also has its own internal processor and storage, so that it could run its own operating system, though it's not clear what the purpose of the smartphone would be, in that case. As this is simply a patent application, it's unknown if Microsoft intends to commercially produce this stand. [via The Register]