Apple files patent for universal iPhone instant messaging application
By Dave Parrack
One feature which most iPhone owners would like to see on their gadgets is instant messaging. However, through multiple updates, the feature has remained elusive. However, that could be about to change, with the revelation that Apple has filed for a universal instant messaging patent.
This could mean the iPhone, as well as any other touchscreen devices could use the application to allow users to conduct real-time chats using IM.
The patent was first applied for in August of last year, but was only granted in March of this year. AppleInsider noticed the published document on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website.
It’s a huge document, but the main points of interest deal with a new interface, which while similar to the existing iPhone SMS interface, has some important changes to allow IM to become a reality.
Added to the current bubble chat interface would be features necessary for instant messaging to be possible, such as a dedicated text field for entering new messages.
As you can see from the picture above, which is available on the original patent application, SMS isn’t mentioned, while IM is quite clearly. Another photo shows a list of “Instant Messages” which all adds to the speculation that this could lead to a universal chat application, allowing AIM, Yahoo!, MSN and other services to be used.
This app could also be used as an alternative to MMS, which is unavailable on current versions of the iPhone. Although the forthcoming 3G iPhone could change that.
The fact that the patent has now been granted could mean that this is included in the new iPhone 2.0, although with the amount of features rumoured to be coming to the new model, I wouldn’t take anything for granted until its officially announced.
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