Dec 30, 2010

Apple investigating Ping-like social networking for retail shopsBy Neil HughesAppleInsider.com

Apple has shown interest in creating a social networking tool for brick-and-mortar shopping, allowing iPhone owners to share comments, opinions and recommendations about any type of product.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week published a new patent application entitled “Social Networking in Shopping Environments.” Discovered by AppleInsider, the proposed invention describes using a portable electronic device, like an iPhone, to allow customers to network with one another while shopping.

In a store, a kiosk would allow customers to access a product list and information on their phone. That product and the details about it could then be shared through Apple’s social networking tool.

In one example, a user can identify items of interest and share information directly to mobile devices of their friends. From there, friends can review the products and provide their own comments and feedback.

The system could be as simple as providing friends the ability to give a “yes” or “no” answer, or a virtual “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.” In one example, a shopper asks their friends, “Should I buy this?” In another, a husband asks “Help, I need birthday gift ideas for my wife. Will she like this?”

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