Apple Designing Location-Based Home Screen for iPhone

Aug 27 2009, 1:04pm CDT | by Robert Evans

Another day, another leaked Apple patent. (via AppleInsider) This one is for a program that would display different applications based on changing environmental factors, like location. If you take a flight from Dallas to San Francisco, your iPhone would display different apps and data depending on the city. Weather widgets would update automatically based on geographical position, the clock could alter itself to meet new time zones, and different “location-aware” options would become available for different places.

This would allow iPhone users, especially those who travel, to always be up-to-date on local weather, time, and even maps. Your phone would also be able to store separate contacts in city-specific lists. If you loved a certain restaurant on your last visit to Atlanta, you'll be able to save the address so you can find it again on your next trip. This technology is nothing mind-blowing or paradigm-shifting, but it does provide a bit more convenience for users, and convenience is what smartphones are all about.

Other Apple patents filed this week include a speech to text application, image scaling software built to help transfer files from computers or TVs to mobile devices, and an event-based contact list. All of these sound like useful features, but the coolest is a follow-up to an old patent application for a wireless sensory system. This system would be able to quantify things like the strength of a punch, which opens up whole new possibilities for app store games. You know every stupid bar bet game you've ever played? (Arm wrestling simulators, grip strength testers, etc) Soon all of those could be stored on your iPhone.

The digital age is a wondrous thing.

Updates

Apple CEO gives up $75 million in dividends

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Paul Sakuma / Associated Press One of the highest-paid CEOs in the country, Tim Cook has asked that he not receive stock dividends. New York -- Apple CEO Tim Cook is giving up $75 million in dividends on restricted stock that the company ...
Full article at: San Francisco Chronicle More like this 1 hour ago

First Mobile Screenwriting App for iOS to Launch Major Update

Source: Beaumont Enterprise

After 2 years of development, the much awaited follow up to the popular Scripts Pro screenwriting app for iOS is prepared for launch. The major update will be released in the Apple App Store this week. Scripts Pro, the best selling screenwriting appli ...
Full article at: Beaumont Enterprise More like this 1 hour ago

Nest Learning Thermostat available in Apple stores soon?

Source: Electronista

Company founded by ex-Apple VP Tony Fadell Numerous reports claim that the Learning Thermostat from Nest will be available at Apple retail stores shortly. Nest is a company formed around developing and marketing the thermostat by Apple's former ...
Full article at: Electronista More like this 1 hour ago

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

Don't miss ...

Apple

iPad mini Rumors continue

Robert Evans
The excitement about new smartphones, tablets and anything mobile drive Robert to unearth the latest rumors and developments in this fast moving space. He adopted 4G as soon as it become available and knows where the mobile market is going.
Robert can be contacted directly at robert@i4u.com.