Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has filed a patent for a method of transferring files automatically between devices. The application was published today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent describes some kind of technology which kicks in automatically when two devices are placed next to each other. It calls for “improved techniques for interacting with one or more handheld carriers hosting media content.”
The tech could be used by placing two phones next to each other to transfer files. It could also be used to easily transfer a file from a mobile device onto a laptop or desktop computer. It would use Bluetooth or other near-field communications in order to start the transfer of the file. It could even work by physically touching the two devices in order to transfer the file.
Currently both Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPad and the iPhone have Bluetooth, but they don’t have near-field communication. In order for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to make use of these patents, the company would likely have to enable near-field communication on its products.
Theoretically, users could even transfer an iTunes song or other type of content between devices using the technology. In fact, there’s another patent specifically describing a way for users to purchase iTunes content without even being connected to the Internet. The patent would make it possible for users to load their iTunes account with some cash and then purchase content without having to be connected to the Internet to do it, as is required right now.
Of course these patents don’t necessarily mean that the tech will be developed, even if the applications do get approved.
