Apple Considering Adding Contacts to iPhone Home Screen?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/14/apple-considering-adding-contacts-to-iphone-home-screen/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2010/01/14/131135-home_screen_contacts_500.jpg

Being Manan notes (http://www.beingmanan.com/wp/2010/01/apple-patent-shows-new-iphone-os-ui-contacts-on-home-screen/) (via Redmond Pie (http://www.redmondpie.com/iphone-4.0-to-bring-contacts-on-home-screen-9140348/)) a newly-published patent application (http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20100011304.PGNR.&OS=DN/20100011304RS=DN/20100011304) from Apple describing the ability to add users' contacts directly to the iPhone's home screen, offering one-touch access to various functions related to that contact.Users can create icons for a mobile device, where the icons can represent often accessed user contacts. User created icons can allow convenient access to all information and applications related to a contact. Thus, consecutive access to applications related to a contact can be greatly diminished.Taking things one step further, the patent application also describes a system in which icons for contacts could automatically appear only temporarily based on the user's proximity to the contact. Such a system is similar in some respects to Google Latitude (http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html) and Loopt (http://www.loopt.com/), but would offer direct home screen integration with proximity-based services. Apple has also expressed interest (http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20090325603&OS=20090325603&RS=20090325603) in such "location sharing" technologies in other patent applications.

Today's application also specifically addresses the potential for proximity-based advertising using the same functionality, allowing businesses to offer information to nearby users in the form of contacts that can appear on the home screen of the users' devices.In some implementations, a contact 610 can temporarily appear on a mobile device 100 when the mobile device 100 is within a determined proximity of a contact host. The contact host can be a server or device operated by an individual, entity or service capable of providing the icon and related application information. In the present example, the contact host is a server operated by a coffee house called "Rocket Java". An alert can be presented on the mobile device 100 to indicate that a temporary contact or application is available to the mobile device 100. In one example, the alert can have two options: "dismiss" and "view contact." After the contact has been viewed, other options can be presented, including options like "add to local contacts" or "save to the home screen."Apple's proposed system allows for customization of alerts when the user is near a proximity-based contact, either automatically adding the contact to the user's home screen while in close proximity or first requesting permission to do so.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2010/01/14/131135-proximity_based_contact.jpg

Apple has explored (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/15/apple-explores-delivering-location-based-content-to-iphone-users/) the use of location-based content delivery in previous patent applications, suggesting that it may hold more than just a passing interest in the technology.

The new patent application, filed on July 9th, 2008 and published today, is credited to Apple designer Marcel Van Os.

Article Link: Apple Considering Adding Contacts to iPhone Home Screen? (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/14/apple-considering-adding-contacts-to-iphone-home-screen/)

[ThunderSkunk]

Ok. I guess that could be useful. ...somehow.

[*LTD*]

Guess the one-touch dial apps are about to tank.

No more "call grandma", "call mom", "call girlfriend", LOL.

[ngenerator]

I like the idea of a contact on the homescreen, as I use my "Favorites" in the phone app all the time. However, I'm not sure if I like the amount of real estate having each of my 8 faves take up on the phone.
Maybe if I only had like 2 favorites...

[Compile 'em all]

Really looking forward to OS 4.0.

[derek1984]

This is really newsworthy?!?

[leandromp]

this idea sucks, specially with the ads.
cmon apple, why don't you improve the features you already have?
voice control needs work, do something about that first.

[miles01110]

I like the idea of a contact on the homescreen, as I use my "Favorites" in the phone app all the time. However, I'm not sure if I like the amount of real estate having each of my 8 faves take up on the phone.
Maybe if I only had like 2 favorites...

Just use a different page for them.... although I guess that kind of defeats the purpose of one-touch access. Kind of not though.

[KindredMAC]

I only see this causing more unintentional calls. At least with the Favorites panel, you have to touch the Phone App first. I don't think I would really want this in 4.0 personally.

[cdinca]

A new way to beat out AdMob...exclusive Quattro service

[marzy]

eh, they really need to address the whole home screen UI. It was great at first but now we have hundreds of apps and sliding around can be tedious at times.

[drumcat]

Not indicting Apple, but the thought that this is patentable is offensive to me. This is not what patent law is for; it's a shortcut.

[iMJustAGuy]

I don't understand why they would need a patent for this...

[bogosortzomg]

Not indicting Apple, but the thought that this is patentable is offensive to me. This is not what patent law is for; it's a shortcut.

I agree. Really, Apple?

[b1wils1]

what is the circle thing above the speaker at the top? that could have been in previous design sketches, but that looks like an awfully convenient spot to have a front facing webcam.

[*LTD*]

Not indicting Apple, but the thought that this is patentable is offensive to me. This is not what patent law is for; it's a shortcut.

How exactly are you offended by this?

[Maverick1337]

what is the circle thing about the speaker at the top? that could have been in previous design sketches, but that looks like an awfully convenient spot to have a front facing webcam.

To be honest, that was the first thing I noticed. It looks like the video chat rumors are true?

[iOrlando]

some of these things are silly. how can you patent the ability to have a contact show up on a home screen? wouldnt that sort of fall in body of common knowledge?

[sishaw]

It's not so much contacts I'd want--I mean, you already have your "recents" list--, as a home screen that shows any appointments I've made in the calendar for that day (or whatever period you specify in the preferences).

[Stella]

Sounds like prior art, Nokia N97 already has the ability to add contacts to the home screen ( IRC ).

[*LTD*]

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20100011304.PGNR.&OS=DN/20100011304RS=DN/20100011304

An icon can be created for a contact (e.g., an individual(s) or an entity) and presented on a user interface of a mobile device, such as a "home screen." The icon can be used to retrieve and display contact information. The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact. The icon can be modified to display information related to the contact. In one aspect, an icon associated with an entity can be temporarily displayed on the mobile device based on the proximity of the mobile device to the entity. The icon can be used to retrieve and display information related to the entity. Additionally, the icon can be removed from the display on the mobile device when the mobile device is no longer within a certain proximity of the entity.

[0004]An icon can be created for a contact (e.g., an individual(s) or an entity) and presented on a user interface of a mobile device, such as a "home screen." The icon can be used to retrieve and display contact information. The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact. The icon can be modified to display information related to the contact. In one aspect, an icon associated with an entity can be temporarily displayed on the mobile device based on the proximity of the mobile device to the entity. The icon can be used to retrieve and display information related to the entity. Additionally, the icon can be removed from the display on the mobile device when the mobile device is no longer within a certain proximity of the entity.

[0005]Other implementations are disclosed which are directed to systems, methods and computer-readable mediums.

[0006]Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. Users can create icons for a mobile device, where the icons can represent often accessed user contacts. User created icons can allow convenient access to all information and applications related to a contact. Thus, consecutive access to applications related to a contact can be greatly diminished. Additionally, temporary user access to applications relative to a location allows a user to minimize the amount of application data stored on a user mobile device.

[0007]The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

[AppleInLVX]

Heh. This is one of the features on my HTC Hero, which I bought in spite of my raging Apple fanboi-ness, because Apple doesn't allow home screen customization on the iPhone. I honestly didn't think that Steve'd bend to this sort of thing, but it looks like Apple may start to slowly rip off the Sense UI. :rolleyes:

[OrangeGuutan]

I'm doing this on Android 2.1 and my Nexus One currently. What else is new...Apple is behind on tech.

[ChazUK]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.6; en-us; Archos5 Build/Donut) AppleWebKit/528.5+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.2 Mobile Safari/525.20.1)

Interesting stiff LTD. Good post!

Does "The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact." suggest mulitasking?

Cool if so!

[ThunderSkunk]

To be honest, that was the first thing I noticed.

Same here. Video Chat would be ideal. Too bad AT&T won't bother spending the $ to upgrade their network to handle such a feature, until their competition does. ...then they'll spend a little, do it halfassed, in a whopping six cities, promise Apple they'll have it all done in time for the next phone release, & then continue to do nothing until their exclusive contract on the device is up again... pathetic.

[dejo]

Does "The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact." suggest mulitasking?
The iPhone already has multitasking, albeit limited.

[*LTD*]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.6; en-us; Archos5 Build/Donut) AppleWebKit/528.5+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.2 Mobile Safari/525.20.1)

Interesting stiff LTD. Good post!

Does "The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact." suggest mulitasking?

Cool if so!

Thanks, I thought it might be easier to post some details directly in the thread rather than having people view the entire pdf.

The multitasking possibility you mentioned is interesting. I hadn't considered that.

[hamis92]

There should be widgets on the home screen. Nowdays you always need to open an app to do something, and some of them take ages to load. I think things like Facebook, Twitter, Google Search, weather or even iPod controls would be highly useful to have right there...

[ju5tin81]

We need an icon like this to toggle Wifi on and off!

Once a Wifi password is saved, the wifi will auto connect every time, meaning that my iPhone connects to my works restricted internet access every time I arrive. It's too laborious going to settings and wifi and off each time. I like it on work network sometimes for air sharing etc. at times, but at my discretion.

I get bored being asked to connect to random houses wifi when on the road, but I like my phone to connect to my home wifi network.

One icon toggle on and off or shortcut for any other system settings would be welcome.

[Small White Car]

what is the circle thing above the speaker at the top? that could have been in previous design sketches, but that looks like an awfully convenient spot to have a front facing webcam.

That indicates the area where the sensors are.

That's all it is.

And why would they put a secret feature in a patent application for something else?

[ChazUK]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.6; en-us; Archos5 Build/Donut) AppleWebKit/528.5+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.2 Mobile Safari/525.20.1)

Does "The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact." suggest mulitasking?
The iPhone already has multitasking, albeit limited.

I know but some 3rd party app multitasking would be another great addidton to iPhone os imo. :)

[DipDog3]

I am sure there are tons of patents that Apple has that never get put into use. They use them just in case.

[trajen]

Is that contact icon The Joker??? :eek:

[acslater017]

Just use a different page for them.... although I guess that kind of defeats the purpose of one-touch access. Kind of not though.

I always thought that it would be neat to have quick-access pages "above" and "below" the first Home page. Similar to how Spotlight is reached by swiping left, it would be nice to have say, large Top 9 Favorite icons "above" the #1 Home page. Tapping on them would dial their primary number instantly. (This is much faster than Phone>Favorites>John).

Also, it would save me a lot of time to have a page of settings "below" the Home page. For example, swipe down for instant buttons regarding Airplane Mode, Silent/Vibe, 3G/EDGE, Wi-Fi, Brightness and Bluetooth. I hate having to navigate through so many menus to adjust these things every day. It would make conserving battery life so much easier.

[jingbugle]

I guess Apple has to reinvent everything (maybe to add their own flavor). They need to move to a model where they should pick up whatever is good out there already. :(

[t22design]

We need an icon like this to toggle Wifi on and off!

Once a Wifi password is saved, the wifi will auto connect every time, meaning that my iPhone connects to my works restricted internet access every time I arrive. It's too laborious going to settings and wifi and off each time. I like it on work network sometimes for air sharing etc. at times, but at my discretion.

I get bored being asked to connect to random houses wifi when on the road, but I like my phone to connect to my home wifi network.

One icon toggle on and off or shortcut for any other system settings would be welcome.

Just turn 'ask to join networks off', it'll still connect to known networks automatically.

Although one touch WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS toggle buttons would be nice.

[Trexznl]

I'm terribly sorry but I had to let out some sort of giggle as soon as I realized that this is actually a patent..

The ad thing does look interesting though. I'm curious to see on how they will carry stuff like that out.

[bdkennedy1]

Contacts as icons? I wouldn't mind that. But adding them to the home screen adds a layer of complication and a step back in simplicity.

[jdechko]

A few points.

1) That's probably not a front-facing camera. It's where the proximity sensors and ambient light sensor are located. Look carefully on an iPhone and you can faintly make them out.

2) Contacts on the homescreen is nothing new, but for me, that's not what was really intriguing. It's talking about these things showing up based on proximity or (core) location. If you're at starbucks, a starbucks app automatically shows up on your screen. Or if you're close to a buddy, it will let you know, more like an automatic loopt/Google Latitude thing going on.

[Rodimus Prime]

Contacts as icons? I wouldn't mind that. But adding them to the home screen adds a layer of complication and a step back in simplicity.

agreed plus I could see all sorts of problems with it. As more often than not we would want our favorite contacts (friends family) to be the ones that pop up. Problem with that is those are also the same people we will be around the most so I could see it causing a lot of problems and this being just a useless gimmick

[Maceutiful]

That thing on the casing beside the speaker, could that be the touch sensitive casing ? It may be that this would be used to open up the iPod or whatever, at least apples making use of the estate.

[mctape]

How in the hell is this patentable?

/facepalm

[daneoni]

Yay for more icons and consequently an even 'busier' home screen

[lilo777]

I guess Apple has to reinvent everything (maybe to add their own flavor). They need to move to a model where they should pick up whatever is good out there already. :(

That would go against theirmott (i.e. think different). Do not expect Apple adopting anybody's ideas even if they really great ;)

[thetexan]

I just did this on my Droid, it took about five seconds and I didn't need any third party software. The icon is their contact picture, which for me is pulled from Facebook automatically. The proximity thing is a no go but an interesting idea. The mobile advertising idea I hope to never see on any cell phone. The last thing I want is to be walking down a street and having my phone go off every time I pass a business.

[aucl]

Not indicting Apple, but the thought that this is patentable is offensive to me. This is not what patent law is for; it's a shortcut.

i guess the patent worthy part is with that proximity stuff, not the link itself.

[baryon]

"User created icons can allow convenient access to all information and applications related to a contact"

How can an application be related to a contact? Like, I could relate the App "iFart Mobile" to someone I don't like? Or what?

[bloodycape]

I don't see how Apple can patent this seeing as I can already do this on my Android 1.5 device?

[cmaier]

"User created icons can allow convenient access to all information and applications related to a contact"

How can an application be related to a contact? Like, I could relate the App "iFart Mobile" to someone I don't like? Or what?

The contact can be a business, for example. So, for example, i can have a "chipotle" icon that gives me their phone number, but also a link to their app so I can order my burrito.

[Ironduke]

they need to offer contacts in coverflow style

[cmaier]

they need to offer contacts in coverflow style

Or holograms beamed directly into your eyes.

[muskratboy]

a patent for putting contacts on your home screen.

yup, our patent system isn't hopelessly broken and misguided. sure.

[cmaier]

a patent for putting contacts on your home screen.

yup, our patent system isn't hopelessly broken and misguided. sure.

That's actually not the subject matter claimed by the patent application, and even if it were, I'm not sure how someone APPLYING for a patent (but not at this point receiving such a patent) has anything to do with the state of "our patent system," but glad you got that off your chest.

[Mal]

eh, they really need to address the whole home screen UI. It was great at first but now we have hundreds of apps and sliding around can be tedious at times.

I agree. I want them to take the Spaces idea and transfer it to the iPhone. Have a 2D grid instead of a 1D line of "Spaces" or home screens, and have an overview that, perhaps, you can assign an icon to each screen, or merely have a number assigned to each of the home screens so you can memorize which one contains the apps you need, but have two-swipe access to any screen, as well as enable them to allow more screens more easily.

jW

[hitekalex]

I agree. I want them to take the Spaces idea and transfer it to the iPhone. Have a 2D grid instead of a 1D line of "Spaces" or home screens, and have an overview that, perhaps, you can assign an icon to each screen, or merely have a number assigned to each of the home screens so you can memorize which one contains the apps you need, but have two-swipe access to any screen, as well as enable them to allow more screens more easily.

jW

You may be on to something.. But I think a simple 2-tier hierarchy may suffice. In other words - an icon on a root screen can represent either an app or another screen (Games, References, Communications, etc - categories are user-definable). This way you have a one-click access to most common apps, and one-click access to any other screen. Hopefully with 4G iPhone supporting higher resolution - you should be able to fit more than current 20 icons on a root screen.

Another thing they need to re-do is notification system. Pop-up messages are no good with multiple Push apps competing for top screen. Android or WebOS implementation of "message drawers" is vastly superior.

[raremage]

Not indicting Apple, but the thought that this is patentable is offensive to me. This is not what patent law is for; it's a shortcut.

It's also already a feature in Android. I guess if you're Apple, it's OK to patent stuff that other people are already doing.

[Ironduke]

Or holograms beamed directly into your eyes.

eh!

dont be silly:rolleyes:

[cmaier]

It's also already a feature in Android. I guess if you're Apple, it's OK to patent stuff that other people are already doing.

So android has a feature where, based on proximity to a contact, an icon may be made to appear on the device's home screen automatically, and where that icon is linked to both contact information and applications relating to that icon?

I don't think so.

[Cartoonkid]

...The mobile advertising idea I hope to never see on any cell phone. The last thing I want is to be walking down a street and having my phone go off every time I pass a business.

+1.

The day I have random advertising pop up on my phone, is the day I get rid of my smartphone.

Or, at the very least, it had better be the day that my carrier no longer charges for data.

[iphonetester]

You guys, seriously think that patent was granted for a shortcut? There is no way this is whole picture. I think this shortcut talk is related to a broader change in OS itself. For example, I have an important contact in my contact list - what the shortcut can do than is to keep tabs on his/her activity - mentioned proximity, e-mails, photo sharing and a like. If you get an email from that particular contact - alert appears under his icon. This is much more than shortcut you press to go contact app. This idea requires OS and hardware integration (such as proximity sensor) to work flawlessly. In addition based on network requirements, the OS can ran a background process to dynamically invoke more services available for contact and the user. Say the video chat if wifi is available for both and so forth. That is what the patent was granted for, I suppose. By the way if that is what Android 2.1 does (which I doubt) it will have it be removed as the patent was granted for 2008 claim - way before Android.

[Eso]

The contact can be a business, for example. So, for example, i can have a "chipotle" icon that gives me their phone number, but also a link to their app so I can order my burrito.

So you'll need to add a bunch of businesses into your contacts? One contact for each location too? If you are within proximity, why would you need to order via your phone? Just go inside and step up to the counter. You want to call when you are not close to the business so your order is about ready when you get there.

It should also be noted that the homescreen layout is from 1.X before there were apps. There was space at the bottom of the screen for icons to appear/disappear. There is nowhere for icons to just appear now (save it be the at the very end) without completely messing up app organization. Like most of the other patent applications we've seen headlined, this one is not going to be implemented.

[Yelmurc]

Maybe they will have a new screen that you access with a up or down swipe like they do for the search screen with the left swipe. The up swipe could be your contants screen, while the down swipe could be a location based screen that updates depending on your location to those particular contacts or services.

[djdole]

This is basicly apple's implementation of speed-dial.

[djdole]

this idea sucks, specially with the ads.
cmon apple, why don't you improve the features you already have?
voice control needs work, do something about that first.

"Specially"? ....really (http://tinyurl.com/yhjlztd)?

[MacFly123]

Honestly not interested in this, ESPECIALLY the ads! :rolleyes:

[cmaier]

You guys, seriously think that patent was granted for a shortcut? There is no way this is whole picture. I think this shortcut talk is related to a broader change in OS itself. For example, I have an important contact in my contact list - what the shortcut can do than is to keep tabs on his/her activity - mentioned proximity, e-mails, photo sharing and a like. If you get an email from that particular contact - alert appears under his icon. This is much more than shortcut you press to go contact app. This idea requires OS and hardware integration (such as proximity sensor) to work flawlessly. In addition based on network requirements, the OS can ran a background process to dynamically invoke more services available for contact and the user. Say the video chat if wifi is available for both and so forth. That is what the patent was granted for, I suppose. By the way if that is what Android 2.1 does (which I doubt) it will have it be removed as the patent was granted for 2008 claim - way before Android.

This is a patent APPLICATION. No patent was granted yet.

Also, all that matters in the US is who invented first. If some dude at google thought of it first (and didn't suppress it, and worked diligently to reduce it to practice) Apple can't patent it no matter when it becomes available in Android.

I agree that the application has nothing to do with the mere idea of putting a contact on your home screen, however.

[cmaier]

So you'll need to add a bunch of businesses into your contacts? One contact for each location too? If you are within proximity, why would you need to order via your phone? Just go inside and step up to the counter. You want to call when you are not close to the business so your order is about ready when you get there.

It should also be noted that the homescreen layout is from 1.X before there were apps. There was space at the bottom of the screen for icons to appear/disappear. There is nowhere for icons to just appear now (save it be the at the very end) without completely messing up app organization. Like most of the other patent applications we've seen headlined, this one is not going to be implemented.

Let's think about this a little harder.

Regarding your first point, and going back to my chipotle example. The point is not necessarily that I am going to use the icon right away. There is a certain utility to the phone realizing I frequent certain establishments and adding them to my contacts so that I can use them later. This is, after all, what a business card is all about. By your logic, no one should ever hand me a business card - after all, why would I call the person since he's standing right in front of me? So in the chipotle case, the fact that I bought a burrito today indicates I might want to buy a burrito tomorrow, and, assuming I've enabled the appropriate options to add the contact, it might be nice if a contact was added to allow me to order my burrito remotely in the future.

Now, as to your point on organization - do you insist apple would add such a feature but keep everything else constant on the phone? Do you suppose there's no way apple could improve icon organization? Like by, I dunno, adding a home screen specifically dedicated to these automatic icons? Perhaps accessible like the search screen by swiping in a particular direction, or swiping with multiple fingers or something? Perhaps swipe down for these icons, up for a today screen, left for search? Or perhaps these contacts show up in the Phone app when you select a particular tab?

[Porchland]

I suspect the location-based stuff is part of a plan to monetize retail locations:

1. Movie theaters. Walk into the lobby, your iPhone pops up a point of sale app with movie listings, you buy two tickets over the app, your iPhone generates a bar code, the theater guys scans it, and you watch your movie. If you bought tickets two days ago, it just pops up the bar code.

2. Starbucks. Walk into Starbucks, your iPhone pops up your Starbucks app which says 'The usual?' and gives you a Yes/No, you click yes, they call your drink, and you pick it up.

3. Restaurants. Walk into the lobby, OpenTable app tells the restaurant you arrived, vibes your iPhone when your table is ready.

A lot of the apps are already out there and just need a little tweaking and a license from Apple to generates a few cents of revenue from every transaction. Starbucks is already testing something like this, and the OpenTable app already allows you to make reservations on the fly. There will be independent apps out there that do the same thing, so Apple will want to make it very desirable for retailers to use their payment system by keeping it cheap and easy to use.

[zacman]

Wow, Apple really wants to give Nokia more ammunition as that had been implemented in S60 for ages now (yes long before it was available in Android too).

[cmaier]

Wow, Apple really wants to give Nokia more ammunition as that had been implemented in S60 for ages now (yes long before it was available in Android too).

No it hasn't. Did you read what the patent application actually refers to? It's not just sticking icons on the home screen.

[zacman]

I suspect the location-based stuff is part of a plan to monetize retail locations:

1. Movie theaters. Walk into the lobby, your iPhone pops up a point of sale app with movie listings, you buy two tickets over the app, your iPhone generates a bar code, the theater guys scans it, and you watch your movie. If you bought tickets two days ago, it just pops up the bar code.


Sounds complicated. I like the Nokia Point and Find concept better:

With Nokia Point and Find you point your mobile to a movie poster, the app recognizes the movie and you can buy your ticket, view reviews etc.

Also works with other products etc.

http://pointandfind.nokia.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1wM6nlcALA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhkJX8sdn8

[bloodycape]

A lot of the apps are already out there and just need a little tweaking and a license from Apple to generates a few cents of revenue from every transaction. Starbucks is already testing something like this, and the OpenTable app already allows you to make reservations on the fly. There will be independent apps out there that do the same thing, so Apple will want to make it very desirable for retailers to use their payment system by keeping it cheap and easy to use.
I have tried Opentable on my Android phone and I get the idea of that software, but is it really that inconvenient or time waster to wait in line to order your coffee or purchase movie tickets?

[zacman]

No it hasn't. Did you read what the patent application actually refers to? It's not just sticking icons on the home screen.

Yes. And location services etc. are even integrated into the S60 contact system. Hell there are even apps for S60 that support exactly that idea, like for example "Here and Now".

[bloodycape]

Sounds complicated. I like the Nokia Point and Find concept better:

With Nokia Point and Find you point your mobile to a movie poster, the app recognizes the movie and you can buy your ticket, view reviews etc.

Also works with other products etc.

http://pointandfind.nokia.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1wM6nlcALA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhkJX8sdn8
How different is this from Google Goggles that was announced for Android devices?

[zacman]

How different is this from Google Goggles that was announced for Android devices?

1) Google goggles was announced around a year after P&F.

2) Google goggles basically only searches the web and shows you the result of Google web search, pictures etc. In P&F everyone (including companies and end users) can add their own "worlds" which contains all the information about the products etc. So a retailer can add products and define exactly which options will be available to a cutsomer (like buying a ticket, buying product, show reviews or more information, etc.).

[skellener]

FaceCall does this now. First app I bought for the iPhone.

Facecall (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facecall/id290447776?mt=8) $2.99 on iTunes :D

Facecall Website (http://facecall.wuonm.com)
http://facecall.wuonm.com/img/FaceCall-1.jpg

[cmaier]

FaceCall does this now. First app I bought for the iPhone.

Facecall (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facecall/id290447776?mt=8) $2.99 on iTunes :D

Facecall Website (http://facecall.wuonm.com)
http://facecall.wuonm.com/img/FaceCall-1.jpg

Facecall does not "do this." Face call does not, for example, automatically add contacts to your screen when you are nearby the contact.

[skellener]

Facecall does not "do this." Face call does not, for example, automatically add contacts to your screen when you are nearby the contact.And I am very happy that it doesn't. But it does give you quick access to whichever contacts you want.

[cmaier]

And I am very happy that it doesn't. But it does give you quick access to whichever contacts you want.

Ok, but then it doesn't have anything to do with the patent.

[Andronicus]

This could screw up my stalking.....:(:(:(
:D

[Jayomat]

how about "real" notifications on the homescreen instead of those stupid batches..?

[severe]

I'm doing this on Android 2.1 and my Nexus One currently. What else is new...Apple is behind on tech.

incredible.


:D

[spillproof]

Ew, thats fugly. I hope you can turn it all off. I have zero use for that.

[pixpixpix]

With this it makes sense for Apple to buy Foursquare, and of course get theirlocation and user database

[cmaier]

They should buy the pets.com sock puppet

[Andronicus]

how about "real" notifications on the homescreen instead of those stupid batches..?

batches?! We don't need no stinkin' batches!

[MisterK]

I'm glad the people in these forums aren't designing the UI for the iPhone.
Things like "needing" spaces that go in every direction, 3D coverflow for contacts, every other geeky and unnecessary thing you can think of.

Apple should absolutely NOT sacrifice usability for average users in exchange for nerd points from the types who wear bluetooth ear pieces.

I like the idea of one button contacts on my homescreen. Right now I have to unlock the screen, press the phone icon, go to favorites, and then press my wife's name to call her. I use the "app" of calling my wife more than many of the other apps on my homescreen, so why not let me do it with one touch?

I also love the idea on some sites for the unlock screen to be far more useful, showing the next few iCal events and unread Mail messages. This is the type of simple upgrade to an already awesome OS that I'm looking forward to.

Sure the other guys might have more flashy interfaces, but Apple's got it down like a long-distance runner. They let you get the most number of icons on each screen. It's one touch to access my favorite 20 apps that I can rearrange simply, and on the fly.

5MP camera with Flash would be nice. Nicer screen, maybe. Better battery. Not sure what else to ask for. Still the king of all phones.

[Eso]

Let's think about this a little harder.

Regarding your first point, and going back to my chipotle example. The point is not necessarily that I am going to use the icon right away. There is a certain utility to the phone realizing I frequent certain establishments and adding them to my contacts so that I can use them later.

The business card analogy is cute, but what does automaticly adding "certain establishments" to your contacts have to do with the following?


icons for contacts could automatically appear only temporarily based on the user's proximity to the contact.

It's not about adding a contact based upon how often you frequent certain places. It's adding a home screen icon while within a certain distance from a certain contact. I'm not sure how you confused the two, but all of your analogies are irrelevant to the actual implementation proposed in the patent. The article doesn't mention "appropriate options to add the contact" based on proximity.

The icon is only useful right away because it would disappear after you leave. It would not add a contact for the frequenty-visited chipotle because that has nothing to do with the patent. You would not be able to order the burrito remotely in the future becuase the icon would only appear when you are close to the chipotle.

[Friscohoya]

What if you could scroll down the same way that you can scroll left and right on the home screen and all of your one touch phone contacts were down. Then if you wanted to get back to the normal left right scroll you just scroll left or right as if you were at your base homescreen.

PATENT PENDING!

[cmaier]

The business card analogy is cute, but what does automaticly adding "certain establishments" to your contacts have to do with the following?



It's not about adding a contact based upon how often you frequent certain places. It's adding a home screen icon while within a certain distance from a certain contact. I'm not sure how you confused the two, but all of your analogies are irrelevant to the actual implementation proposed in the patent. The article doesn't mention "appropriate options to add the contact" based on proximity.

The icon is only useful right away because it would disappear after you leave. It would not add a contact for the frequenty-visited chipotle because that has nothing to do with the patent. You would not be able to order the burrito remotely in the future becuase the icon would only appear when you are close to the chipotle.

The difference is I read the patent application and didn't limit my observations to the macrumors blurb.

For example, the claims:

9. A method, comprising:displaying on a mobile device, content associated with an individual;receiving input to create an icon associated with the content;creating an icon based on the content;associating the icon with the one or more applications; anddisplaying the icon on a user interface of the mobile device, where the displayed icon includes information relating to the one or more applications.

26. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:displaying on a mobile device, content associated with an individual;receiving input to create an icon associated with the content;creating an icon based on the content;associating the icon with the one or more applications; anddisplaying the icon on a user interface of the mobile device, where the displayed icon includes information relating to the one or more applications.

Note that while some of the claims display icons temporarily, most do not, including the ones above. Of the 30 claims, only 6 have the "temporary" language.

If you read the patent application closely, particularly paragraphs 30-35, it is mostly concerned about business card exchange. The idea appears to be that you get close to someone else with an iphone (or an appropriate contacts server) and you are presented with a prompt (you said: "The article doesn't mention "appropriate options to add the contact" based on proximity." Maybe not, but the patent application certainly does. For example, see paragraph 37). You can snap a photo at that point, and it grabs the contact info from the other person.

So while my post was "irrelevant" I guess that depends on whether you refer to macrumor's little post, or the actual patent application. Available here, by the way:

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20100011304.PGNR.&OS=DN/20100011304RS=DN/20100011304

What if you could scroll down the same way that you can scroll left and right on the home screen and all of your one touch phone contacts were down. Then if you wanted to get back to the normal left right scroll you just scroll left or right as if you were at your base homescreen.

PATENT PENDING!

Already suggested by me and others in this very thread.

[Friscohoya]

Already suggested by me and others in this very thread.

Let that be your first lesson in patent law then...always patent before or during a post!

[Devil's Refugee]

It's called Facecall !!!
Not exactly worth a news item...

If Facecall doesn't do it you can bet it will now after this !

[Eso]

Of the 30 claims, only 6 have the "temporary"

... and only one of the claims refers to proximity, specifically:

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the icon is temporarily displayed when the mobile device is within a specified proximity of the contact.

The idea appears to be that you get close to someone else with an iphone (or an appropriate contacts server) and you are presented with a prompt (you said: "The article doesn't mention "appropriate options to add the contact" based on proximity." Maybe not, but the patent application certainly does. For example, see paragraph 37). You can snap a photo at that point, and it grabs the contact info from the other person.

That's true. I suppose you could still have the contact information for a busniness at a particular location stored in your address book, according to the patent, which may include a link to the particular app for that business (not yet possible). I just don't see the point in adding information to the address book for businesses. Most outlets that have an associated app have location information built-in; for everything there's masterc... err, google maps.

[Harry.yrraH]

HMMM!!!

Did anyone else notice that the Patent image shows a display screen larger than the current iPhone?

Notice how the screen goes right to the edge of the bezel and doesnt have the 3mm gap!!


Also notice the top and bottom.


I think we are in for a resolution bump :):D:D:)

[Eso]

Notice how the screen goes right to the edge of the bezel and doesnt have the 3mm gap!!

Some space between the screen and the bezel is required so users can tap objects very close to the edge of the screen (since the cursor is centered in area of the finger contacting the glass).

[Nym]

I really don't see real value in this patent.

IMO what Apple needs to implement ASAP is a decent LockScreen. The LockScreen as is right now is a waste of space where you see the time and show off your wallpaper.
I want dynamic data being thrown on my LockScreen so I can see it at a glance (Missed Calls, SMS, Email, and access to info from supporting 3rd party apps).

Example:
http://www.teehanlax.com/blog/2009/09/22/iphone-needs-a-new-home/

The other thing which would be really useful (although it is already available if you're running a jailbroken device, but the same can be said about the LockScreen info) is something like Overboard or Orbit.

Example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAbLObCtEe0

I really can't see why Apple hasn't already realized the potential in both of these things. Instead of swipping 6 times to get to my last page of apps I just pinch the screen I'm at and I get SpringBoard exposé, tap the page I want to go and I'm there.

And let's not even mention SBSettings and it's usefulness in toggling WiFi, Bluetooth, Push Notifications, Location features, 3G, Adjusting Brightness without quitting the app you're on.

I wish I didn't have to jailbreak to get this functionality.

[katananz]

I don't get why having a dedicated icon for a contact is a big deal, considering that somebody could easily make and distribute this right now through cydia. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there is something like this already floating around. Only the proximity idea would be something news worthy.

[twilson]

I don't see how Apple can patent this seeing as I can already do this on my Android 1.5 device?

Because Apple submitted the application four months BEFORE Android was even released. That's how!

Do a little research, two seconds Googling garnered that little nugget.

[diamond.g]

Something I don't understand about the proximity thing is what about if your first home screen is full? Where does it put the contact then?

[jessica.]

Heh. This is one of the features on my HTC Hero, which I bought in spite of my raging Apple fanboi-ness, because Apple doesn't allow home screen customization on the iPhone. I honestly didn't think that Steve'd bend to this sort of thing, but it looks like Apple may start to slowly rip off the Sense UI. :rolleyes:

He's not bending when he gives us features other phones have but delivers them on his own terms.
I don't like the idea much but oh well.

[aegisdesign]

Seems a bit silly clogging up your home screen with contact icons. Patent? very silly.

Why don't they do it the way Nokia do (or is that patented) ? On a Nokia you just start typing the name of your contact on the home screen and they appear usually within three letters typed. Dead simple and easy to remember. You then click and get a menu of apps that are appropriate to that contact -Voice call, Internet call, SMS, email, IM...

LG also do something similar to the patent in that on their cheap smartphones they have a homescreen with avatars of the last four people you've been in contact with. Above each there's their last SMS or call details and you can click on them to reply/call. I imagine you could expand that to tweets, facebook and other apps too.

This seems to be classic Apple. Start with something simple that's great for most simple users that then falls apart for more complex demands. Examples - see the OSX Dock, TimeMachine, Dashboard, their mice.

The proximity based auto-contact add thing sounds scary. I did some stuff with a Bluetooth proximity tool called Consola ( http://www.consola.org/ ) about 4-5 years ago that served up text, mp3, pictures and video to passers-by at a show and it was a neat trick then before there were bluetooth transferable viruses.

[spydr]

This is really newsworthy?!?

Bigger question is, is novel enough to be patent worthy? :confused:

Location based content delivery also sounds dated - wasn't there some sort of implementation with Starbucks a while back?

[Jayomat]

how about "real" notifications on the homescreen instead of those stupid batches..?

batches?! We don't need no stinkin' batches!

???

[rhett7660]

???

The second batches...is a famous movie quote word play.....

Badges...we don't need no stink'en badges......

[jonnysods]

It would be nice if you could use the lock screen as a 'upcoming dates' or something like that so you could see everything that is coming up on your calendar, view the headers of some emails/txt's without opening the lock screen and jumping in and out of programs.

That would be a huge productivity boost IMO.

I would love to see THAT in iPhone OS 4.

[Stately]

There's an app for that . . . Sorry couldn't resist. :D

[RogueWarrior65]

If this is a way for companies to cram more advertising in our faces, then IMHO, screw that. Imagine you really need to make a phone call but you have to listen to an annoying Progressive ad first just because you're standing next to a local office. That would seriously piss me off.

It's bad enough that Google Ads have now taken over YouTube videos.

[Fnkybach]

What are the two circles at the top of the phone for, one over the speaker and the other larger one to the left of it?

[partycentral]

How about adding a list of pending appointments to the home screen, like my Blackjack II did. That was incredibly useful. Apple needs to remember that this is a phone/digital assistant first and a computer second.

And yeah, why do you need a patent for this when the OS is patented already?

[Harun]

I don't understand why they would need a patent for this...

If the patent office would do its job they would laugh at this and deny it. This should not be patentable in any way.

[kdarling]

How about adding a list of pending appointments to the home screen, like my Blackjack II did. That was incredibly useful.

Apple needs to remember that this is a phone/digital assistant first and a computer second.

"These [iPhones] are more like iPods than they are like computers.” - Jobs to NY Times, January 2007

iPods, not PDAs... :)

Sometimes I think Jobs is worried that iPhone owners will have user customizable homescreens that look like those on WinMo or any other kind of phone.

.

[cmaier]

If the patent office would do its job they would laugh at this and deny it. This should not be patentable in any way.

why?

[PlayRadioPlay]

There needs to be a button like this for screen brightness. I adjust my brightness 4 or 5 times a day. Very frustrating.

Press brightness app and hold, slider bar appears, go up or down. Done. No settings navigation.

[MattInOz]

Bigger question is, is novel enough to be patent worthy? :confused:

Location based content delivery also sounds dated - wasn't there some sort of implementation with Starbucks a while back?

would it really if it wasn't.
Surely a rejected Patent Application is as good a defence against a patent troll as and approved one.
Possibly even better, after all you don't have to defend it from anyone else.

[cmaier]

would it really if it wasn't.
Surely a rejected Patent Application is as good a defence against a patent troll as and approved one.
Possibly even better, after all you don't have to defend it from anyone else.

Huh? How is a rejected patent application a defense against anything? Even if you are granted a patent, practicing your own patent is no defense against infringing someone else's patent. A rejected patent application is completely worthless other than informing potential trolls that you are interested in the subject area and your products might operate that way (in cases where the method of operation isn't apparent from outside observation).

[BFrench]

I really don't see real value in this patent.

IMO what Apple needs to implement ASAP is a decent LockScreen. The LockScreen as is right now is a waste of space where you see the time and show off your wallpaper.
I want dynamic data being thrown on my LockScreen so I can see it at a glance (Missed Calls, SMS, Email, and access to info from supporting 3rd party apps).

Example:
http://www.teehanlax.com/blog/2009/09/22/iphone-needs-a-new-home/

I entirely agree. This should have been there since the beginning, or at least added along with Push Notifications. I love Apple products but I sometimes wonder how their brains work when it comes to what would be a good idea to improve on or add.

[lilo777]

Looks like so many people want features that have been available on other platforms (notably Windows Mobile) for ages. So much for revolutionary phone. Apparently "different" does not always mean "revolutionary":D