POPULAR TOOLS

Apple patent hints at location-based networking

Mon Feb 8 2010, 12:28 PM UTC

Apple could be set to launch a location-based networking service which would allow users to click to share details of their whereabouts, according to a new patent filed by the iPhone maker. An app would allow two phone users to automatically discover where the other is, with the information being displayed as a pointer on virtual map. The app could then plot a route from one person to the other.

The process would work with the first caller pressing an information request button on their call screen. This would automatically send an SMS or other network message to the other device. When the caller at the other end approves the request, another message would be sent back, allowing the caller's phone to determine and display their relative locations.

Apple claims that by using SMS, "there is no requirement for modifying any cellular telephony network infrastructure to deploy such a service, so long as each of the devices has the needed device-to-device location awareness application running."

The patent is latest location-based service Apple has patented in recent months. In January, another Apple patent pointed to location-based alerts, which could be used to feed information, such as local transport times, direct to a users' iPhone. Many commentators are betting that Apple aims to enhance its location-based services in an effort to take advantage of mobile ads. Apple recently acquired mobile ad network Quattro for a reported USD275m. Last week it also warned application developers that it won't approve apps that use location data "primarily" to deliver ads - a move some see as an early indication that it is clearing the way for its own push into the mobile ad space.