Apple patent apps reveal plans for iPhone as "lifestyle companion"
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 27th 2008 11:50AM
posted March 27th 2008 11:50AM
While it doesn't exactly come as much of a surprise, it seems that Apple has plenty more goodies in mind for the iPhone (and, presumably, the iPod touch), with a recent batch of no less than six patent applications revealing some of its plans to turn the device into what it describes as a "lifestyle companion." In this case, that rather vague term refers to what is effectively an upgrade to the Nike+iPod system, with the iPhone's accelerometer and other built-in capabilities also coming into play in addition to the usual external sensors. It doesn't stop with workouts, however, with the patent applications also indicating plans for a diet coach of sorts, which could even make use of the iPhone's camera to scan bar codes on products. Those components would also of course all work together, with the system able to suggest workouts based on your diet and physical condition and vice versa. Of course, these being patent applications, there's no indication as to when we might actually see such a system, but it sure seems a good deal more likely than some of Apple's other ideas.
I think it's funny how Engadget has this story about Apple and not TUAW...
Nokia Sports Tracker? Anyone?
http://sportstracker.nokia.com/
Patents suck. Apple should focus on being leaders, not hoarders.
Patents don't suck. The system does.
So you're saying that once they innovate something, it's fine for others to just steal their idea?
I'm sure you're a nice guy, but these companies are out to make money.
Being open is a competitive factor, if people make it one. Companies with offensive patent policies should be discriminated against. It's not like "being finished" is in sight. Business is supposed to serve people, not make some people wealthy by hoarding knowledge. It's not like companies like Apple aren't making money. If patents continue they way they've been going, it will be impossible for smaller companies to innovate, legal will become more important than innovation, "business" will come to a bunch of backroom handshakes like it has become in many industries.
And this doesn't even address what you pointed out, that the patent system is broken in the first place.
And by the way, there is a big difference between "innovate" and "invent." Much of the tech we use was "invented" in some form in the 60s or earlier but "innovated" (introduced en masse) recently. And invention "stands on the shoulders of giants," others who contributed their knowledge previously. It is impossible to break any product down into its inventions, every product consists of an uncountable number of inventions and innovations. Apple is not trying to protect original research that they spent decades developing (something only companies like IBM or Intel, who participate with universities and government in fundamental research to develop things like new storage or chip technologies). They are opportunistically setting traps to slow progress and hinder potential competitors.
Now where's that Sexual educational tutorial? I need help with the "Standing 69" Apple! And the accelerometer could be used for measuring speed, agility and force. It's a gold mine I tell ya.
I don't want anything more technologically advanced than a condom in the bedroom with me, least of all my phone telling me that I'm not doing it with the proper amount of force. Damn dude, no.
I live in FL. They should make an app where you can get on the turnpike without going though a toll booth like the sunpass.
You'd still get stuck paying tolls one way or another. If they don't have tollbooths on the enter/exit ramps, they there's going to be one in between.
btw, where in Florida are you from?
Lifestyle companion? I don't see no penis.
At least you can admit it. :)
Wii Fit already uses the accelerometers in the Wii Mote to track running and other exercises already. Looking it over, almost everything listed here has been done already.
I think it's great Apple is going to do this, but trying to patent it will probably result in them losing them when they try and enforce them.
So if they added a bluetooth heart rate monitor that would track your heart rate and keep you in your specified zone that would be awesome as well. So when you are done with a run you can see a map of where you went in google and a graph of your heart rate or something like that. I think that would be awesome but thats just me.
geez!how many times they going release the same dam thing its never better.
I sorta want the iPod Touch to be a little portable portal to the outside world. Just with more space and about $100-200 cheaper. I think im in love with the idea of what the iPhone/iPod touch can be, its just not fully realized yet. I guess we'll see when software starts coming out for it.
finally, a device that will remind me how to do bicep cuRls. THANKS APPLE!
iPhone: Your fat! Run more! Eat less!
Me: Shut up, my Dr has been telling me that for years
iPhone: Your not running!
Me: Got anything to say now?!
iPhone is asian?
Uh, I wasnt getting at that...but ok. Where is it made?
There was another part that seems to have been lost on the submital...I phail.
iPhone: Your fat! Run more! Eat less!
Me: Shut up, my Dr has been telling me that for years
iPhone: Your not running!
Me: {throughs iPhone against wall}Got anything to say now?!
"iPhone: You fat! Run more! Eat less!"
I can totally imagine some asian dude on Family Guy saying that part.
"All your ass are belong to us!" - lifestyle companion
@Phil: Grats! I like that response.
In a word WOW! Apple is really driving innovation like no other company! Very exciting stuff! The iPhone platform is so flexible. Hold on to your hats!
Something else I liked: http://budcase.com
looks like the unlock guys will have to do something again... I really appreciate their effort of what they're doing. apple should hire these guys not fighting against them.
I don't know about other people, but when I exercise I try to leave any extraneous b.s. at home. Especially at the gym... what kind of goofball would lift weights with an iPhone strapped to them? And running... this makes no sense. Who wants a giant, fragile iPhone tagging along while running?
The geek in me likes the applications mentioned here, but the athlete in me sees this as just stupid.
Here's my take on these horrible photocopies: http://www.jon4lakers.com/2008/03/ipod-its-lifestyle-choice.html
I correct myself, doesn't look exactly the same; but it seems that they are considering this more rectangular design with less empty space at the top and bottom.
Apple shouldn't be patenting software for the iPhone. What this does is hinder fair competition on the Apple App Store when its available. What's to stop them from patenting a whole slew of other apps to the point where the only apps available are those made by Apple.
I guess this is how they are going to control what goes into the app store.
all that tech and it can't cut and paste ... Apple doesn't get it's users ... ever.
Ifat - buy an iphone
Would suck to drop one while jogging. Whoops, already did.
I'm guessing that Phil S. is NOT beta testing this particular feature.
Ok maybe this might a new model of iPod just made for athletes so this maybe the reason for Apple for putting the iPod nano on sale sorta of. But who knows with Apple.