Apple Files Patent for Custom iPhone Merchant Applications

by Jody Mitoma on May 22, 2008 at 11:01 am

A patent Apple Inc. has recently filed hints towards the iPhone and iPod Touch eventually having custom applications tailored to merchants they visit. As detailed by AppleInsider, the proposed concept calls for a local wired or wireless network at a business, with one or more routers such as an AirPort Extreme. Somewhere on site would be a central server, offering custom information and applications for Apple “media devices” that enter wireless range. “For example, assuming the establishment is a restaurant, local server may provide a menu to media device,” the filing reads.

If such a thing were created, users would not only be able to place an order, but have their serving preferences saved, so that the server or device eliminates items from a menu which conflict with medical issues or personal tastes.

Possibilities for other businesses include broadcasting the likes of ads, event calendars and product information, or music. At movies and concerts however people could additionally buy tickets and soundtracks, or even receive material such as directors’ commentaries or foreign-language translations.

This can even be used to locate lost children at local zoos or theme parks. People could even download maps, as long as they have their own media devices. This service can even be offered at train stations, with the addition of items like city information. At a grocery store, the device could store flyers, shopping lists, recipes or recommended foods.

(Source: iPodNN)