Apple looks to be moving into the world of GPS according to a patent filing by the company that cements them as the owner of a podcasting concept that will serve as a unique alternative to traditional GPS navigation. The concept will allow users to subscribe to map information just as they do audio and video podcasts, by way of an application turning map information into audio or video elements based on the user’s location. This way directions could be spoken allowed while the user see the map as a visual guide, not altogether different than turn-by-turn spoken directions offered by most vehicle navigation systems on the market currently. Definitely different from traditional navigation systems however, is that the system will only highlight key points during the trip and in between will play music, advertising and other content to keep you entertained.
What products the service will be available on has not been released, but because the patent says that the service will not be dependent on local software and will use RSS feeds to alert the user to a map that is ready and available to be downloading and synced to a portable media player, all bets are on that the application will be iPhone and iPod-based. Currently, Apple products such as the iPhone don’t have native GPS navigation capabilities but do have the ability to utilize Google Maps when online.
Even more innovative is Apple says the concept applies to exercise as well. iPod users will be able to map out routes right in the middle of their exercise routines and will never have to worry about getting lost again. Check out the patent pics below:
Via Electronista