Apple files patent for iPhone IM

By on Apr 22, 2008 at 8:56 AM
Rumor April 22, 2008

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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  • ChrisNYC

    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.

  • http://fogarate.blogspot.com Randy

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

    Regardless, this is cool.

  • Dtest5477

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

  • miltos

    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?

  • Brandon

    Ha! They lied! Lol.

  • Chris

    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.”

  • Markis

    predictive text….lol, suretype anyone?

  • Seabass

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

  • Luca

    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.

  • YoYo

    nothing compares to Blackberry Messenger.

  • Jeff B.

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

  • galvatron

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

  • SG

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

  • http://www.myspace.com/antbo0gz bo0gzz

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

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