Apple patents social networking shopping for retail stores

Apple has already dipped its toes into the social networking game via its Ping music-sharing service and now the fruity company has filed for a patent that describes a social networking tool for brick-and-mortar shopping, allowing iPhone owners to share comments, opinions and recommendations about any type of product. A store would allow customers to access a product list from their phone, which can then be shared through the social network, asking friends to give approval/rejection on the item as well as provide feedback, helping them make a buying decision.

The patent also allows users to create a community discussion, communicating and sharing easily with friends, without them having to be physically present with each other, which would be a good idea, since not everybody might live in nearby locations.

Matthew Chung
Categories: Apple
Tags: Apple Inc, Patent, ping, social networks