Apple Gets Communication Patent for Nearby Users to Chat Without Wi-Fi or Cellular Network

TapTechNews July 12th news, according to the latest list publicized by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple has obtained a communication patent, allowing users nearby who use Apple devices such as iPhones and AirPods headphones to have voice chats without relying on Wi-Fi or cellular networks. This feature is somewhat similar to the walkie-talkie function on the Apple Watch and can achieve instant communication, but the target is not an individual but a group.

According to the patent description, this function is similar to the walkie-talkie function on the Apple Watch, which can realize instant communication, but not for individuals, but for a group.

The walkie-talkie function relies on Apple's cloud server, so sometimes it causes the intercom to become unreliable, while this function does not need to go back and forth to the cloud server, allowing a group of people nearby who are willing to talk to communicate with each other simultaneously.

This technology will bring a brand new communication experience. Users only need to use the iPhone in their pockets to select one or more contacts for seamless calls.

This function can be regarded as the voice version of AirDrop, and also does not require connection to the network or transmission through the cloud. Only what is shared is not a file, but the user's voice. This proposed technology will allow one-to-many connections, that is, all group members can communicate with each other simultaneously.

TapTechNews attaches the following patent example scenarios: Users can communicate and discuss where to gather in a bustling crowd, and the iPhone can also display the location, current distance and navigation direction of other people according to the positioning.

VIA: AppleInsider