Among the patents granted to Apple and released today were a two that stood out. The first, was a patent that addresses the idea of offline iTunes Store purchases by mobile devices, that allows unlocking content. The second patent describes a proximity-based method for transferring files between devices, such as a computer and a mobile device.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple U.S. Patent No. 8,417,575 for “On-device offline purchases using credits.” The patent describes a system for the purchase of offline credits, which can be stored on a device, that can be used toward media in the iTunes store, even when the device is not connected to the internet.
Under the current scheme, iTunes users must be logged in, and have an internet connection to purchase and download content. This patent allows a “pre-loaded” payment system.
According to Apple, the proposed service involves media stored on an electronic device, like an iPhone or iPod touch, that is not part of the user’s owned library. If a user wants to buy a track, but cannot connect to the Internet to provide a means of payment, they can use pre-paid credits previously purchased through the store and subsequently loaded onto the device. Once a data network is accessed, the appropriate deductions are made to a user’s on-board credit allotment.
Users can add credits either through the device itself, or what looks to be a portal on the desktop version of iTunes, along with other options.
The second patent is one for a a proximity-based method for transferring files between devices, such as a computer and a mobile device. Currently there are software based solutions such as Bump, however Apple’s patent contains aspects that allow for specific transfer scenarios to simplify the process.
For example, a user may want to insert a diagram into an email while typing. Instead of syncing the device or otherwise transferring it through wires or another complex manual method, the user can simply move their iPhone near the computer screen and have the image inserted into the text body. In some embodiments, images can be inserted into an image editing file or other documents running on the computer’s screen.
The process would use communication technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The transfer would be activated by near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth, a camera or another type of sensor that could detect a portable devices proximity in relation to a computer. The image would automatically and wirelessly transfer to the computer, and would then be inserted into the email at the proper location.
Of course it’s never for sure if Apple will use any of this in their future products, but it sure makes it fun to think about “what if?”
