Apple iPad
Apple is attempting to patent the idea of Travel apps for its phones. While the iTunes marketplace has hundreds of travel apps already on line, this could prevent future apps from coming online, depending on how apple decides to enforce its patents.
The patents would not necessarily stop other developers from coming in and making apps that work similarly, but they would stop certain functionality and GUI approaches from being used.
The first patent is for a travel booking application. It includes the ability to reserve travel on planes, check in flights, and deliver various flight and airport information. It also includes Poynt like functionality showing off nearby restaurant and entertainment options. It would most likely require a partnership with the airline community in order to display some of the information Apple is saying it would, such as in flight services and arrival notification for passenger pickup. It would offer guides of how to get around airports, and even include mobile boarding passes which many airline companies have recently introduced or are working on.
The 2nd app is focused on Hotel information. The app would allow a person to check in, check out, request room service or pay-per-view services from the hotel, which implies another partnership with various hotel companies. On top of this it will work as a local expert, making restaurant reservations and ordering event tickets from the interface.
Of course there’s always a good chance the patent office will reject these apps, leaving the market open to competition and innovation is always a good thing. We will have to see how things shape up. For the business traveler who regularly uses his blackberry, android, or iPhone based smart phone this could be a game changer.
View the slide show for images from Apple’s patent application.
Comments
the best travel app is the one showing the wait times for rides at Disneyland. i hope no one messes with it.
Right on Apple! They're making life easier and easier eh?
All of these apps....This one does seem like a good fit for many.
Very informative. Great article. I can't wait to get one.
All nice for Apple...they would control all these applications. And just how much will one have to pay. (Air use, applications rental or payment.) Sounds like Apple wants to an all in one for user...Apple Total Control)
NO....good...where it the competition
I am guessinis means apps for apple products as it might be hard to say no one can develope apps for other platforms when android and Blackberry Rim already have these sort of travel apps and then worldmate also Screw apple and screw Steve Jobs . both him and Obama can go tyo some little fantasy island and live in thier own little controled world where they believe they are important
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