With technologies like cell-tower triangulation, GPS and WiFi location tracking, it’s not hard for the iPhone to determine your location. Firing up Google Maps and hitting the “Locate Me” button is proof enough that your iPhone can track you more closely than an embittered ex-girlfriend. But, it doesn’t stop there. Apple’s latest patent application indicates that the good folks in Cupertino are working on technology that could make your iPhone’s homescreen location-aware. Armed with that information, your iPhone could one day tailor its interface to match the city or state you are currently in.
The Apple patent filing for “Transitional Data Sets”, dated Feb. 21, 2008, outlines a method for changing homescreen icons based on the iPhone user’s current location. The technology is apparently aimed at streamlining the glut of iPhone apps cluttering many users’ iPhones. Rather than having to wade through dozens of apps, the new Apple tech would present location-specific apps on the homescreen.
A user would “create a set of location-aware applications” that would use location-aware data from “transitional data sets.” Apple defines the “transitional data set” as location-specific data used in many iPhone apps (weather, time, maps, etc.). Going even further, Apple’s patent would change iPhone application icons depending on the current position. If the iPhone detects that it’s in San Francisco, the Maps app might display the Golden Gate Bridge. In New York, the app icon might display Times Square.
Of the many Apple patent filings, this technology seems the most likely to make it to market. Most smartphones today are already aware of your location. It’s a logical next step that the smartphone tailors what it shows you based on your location.
iPhone OS 4.0, anyone?
[Via: AppleInsider]