Apple files patent for iPhone IM

Posted by Joshua Karp on Apr 22, 2008 8:56 am 14 comments

Filed in Apple, Handsets, Rumors

A native iChat application is one of the most highly coveted iPhone additions, with users everywhere eagerly awaiting some sort of instant messaging solution that doesn’t require a jailbreak. Apple demoed a native AIM client during their SDK announcement, and it looks like there might be a bit more excitement in store. A recently revealed patent outlines an instant messaging client specifically designed for the iPhone. The application patent also includes a new predictive text implementation that displays several suggested word choices above the text entry box, as opposed to the auto-fill process currently in use. While a patent like this could end up languishing in virtual purgatory, we certainly hope Apple decides to include this in an upcoming firmware revision.

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14 comment(s) for this post.

On Apr 22, 2008 @ 9:41 am, ChrisNYC Said:

So they may have a predictive text implementation…very interesting. I wonder if Blackberry can match that. Pretty slick how it gives you 3 choices to press.

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 9:46 am, Randy Said:

Looking at the mock-up, it looks very similar to the UI on the Nintendo Wii. Prior Art?

Regardless, this is cool.

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 9:52 am, Dtest5477 Said:

this has been a big need for iphone, if they dont fill it then someone will.

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 9:53 am, miltos Said:

I wonder if a more iPhone savvy person could help me out here. I am waiting with bated breath for the 3G Iphone (I don’t have the current one) and am keeping my eye on all the rumors flying. What I’m trying to understand is what the implications of the SDK are on existing applications. There are a ton of great apps out there right now, but I can’t tell what we could expect to be available on 2.0. I am getting that the SDK does not give applications access to background processing, but am not sure how to translate that into what 3rd party applications will and won’t be available (obviously, IM may not). I assume 2.0 will eventually be jail broken but it would be nice to not have to hassle with that. Can anyone clarify?

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 10:22 am, Brandon Said:

Ha! They lied! Lol.

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 11:16 am, Chris Said:

Uh, this is nothing new. There are already a few predictive text solutions out there for BB and WM that give you several suggested words as you type.

Oh wait, Apple is behind this “new predictive text implementation,” so, it’s, “revolutionary” and “innovative.”

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 11:47 am, Markis Said:

predictive text….lol, suretype anyone?

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 12:13 pm, Seabass Said:

My Razor had this 4 years ago what a great idea let’s patent it.

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 1:57 pm, Luca Said:

Bunch of tards you people are.

They patented the design/layout, not the predictive text seeing how EVERY SINGLE CELL has it already.

Jesus christ you people jump to conclusions WAY to fast.

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 2:34 pm, YoYo Said:

nothing compares to Blackberry Messenger.

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On Apr 22, 2008 @ 7:07 pm, Jeff B. Said:

But do they have a keyboard you can actually type on?

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On Apr 23, 2008 @ 1:42 am, galvatron Said:

NOPE an it still has a single process running in the backround an clears your message when a call rings in

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On Apr 23, 2008 @ 11:30 am, SG Said:

Does anyone know if the next-gen iPhone will have contact information beam capability?

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On Apr 23, 2008 @ 1:02 pm, bo0gzz Said:

ichat on a iphone would be amazin!!!!!!!!

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