Proof That Apple Inc. (AAPL) Is Building a Social Network?

When it comes to patent applications, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is always looking for a way to change the future (such as with these filings). While some patents become useful parts of a future project, others sit on the backburner for the meantime. This is what makes things so exciting in Cupertino.

One of the most interested patents to come out of the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) camp over the last few months is this one: Methods and Apparatus for Providing Content Based on Social Networks

Here is the abstract of the patent:

“Methods and apparatus for providing content based on social networks are provided. In particular, a user’s social relationships or activities on a social network may be utilized to determine content such as products and/or items of interest to present to the user.”

This is just another way that Apple is looking to make its products and services more enjoyable. By focusing on a user’s social relationships and activities, the tech giant is hoping to use the information as a means of better  presenting offerings to the user.

If you don’t yet fully understand what this Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) patent brings to the table, you need to check out an example. This one was provided in the patent:

“Online shopping has become an increasingly popular way for consumers to purchase goods. In particular, there has been a rise in the sale of virtual products that are not physically tangible, but can still provide a consumer with enjoyment when used with, for example, an electronic device. Such virtual products can include, for example, virtual items for use in an online game and applications for use with an electronic device.

An online shopping environment may provide reviews or comments about the product submitted by other consumers, but there is no way for a shopper to judge whether those other consumers have relevant tastes or preferences that are relevant to those of the shopper. Thus, there is a need to provide relevant shopping information to a shopper or consumer while shopping on-line.”

It will be interesting to see if this Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) offering makes its way to the forefront in the near future. Obviously, it is of interest due to the fact that the patent is related to social networking.

The patent was originally filed on January 18, 2012. Thomas Schmidt is listed as the only inventor.

What are your thoughts on how this Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) patent could help users in the future? Share your thoughts in the comment section below (check out this patent while you are at it).