'Podmaps' to Provide Mobile Maps and Directions
A new Apple patent application revealed by Appleinsider describes an interesting extension of the traditional Podcast into a more useful form.
Apple describes allowing users to request directions from a starting point and destination point. By incorporating visual maps and spoken driving directions, Apple would dynamically assembly a 'Podmap' for immediate download. The 'Podmap' could then be transfered into your iPod or iPhone for playback:
Chapter markers could also allow users to easy advance to the next and previous direction.
Apple describes allowing users to request directions from a starting point and destination point. By incorporating visual maps and spoken driving directions, Apple would dynamically assembly a 'Podmap' for immediate download. The 'Podmap' could then be transfered into your iPod or iPhone for playback:
"When being played, the podmap presents to the user of the device the voice directions and the corresponding images so that the user is able to successfully navigate from the start location to the destination location. It is particularly useful to play on the portable media device because it can be easily carried or transferred by the user."
Chapter markers could also allow users to easy advance to the next and previous direction.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)52 months ago
That would be amazing!
Knowing apples rep though, I doubt it would be backwards compatible some how...
Knowing apples rep though, I doubt it would be backwards compatible some how...
52 months ago
Finally an apple patent that could have some use!
I Like It! (...until they release the bloated price tag)
I Like It! (...until they release the bloated price tag)
52 months ago
Well, gee, that makes sense, why do you have to have GPS for navigation?
I use directions from google and the like just like that: go to point, check directions for next way-point, go to next point, check directions, etc. I'm pleased.
gB
I use directions from google and the like just like that: go to point, check directions for next way-point, go to next point, check directions, etc. I'm pleased.
gB
52 months ago
It would be very cool if they could have it reference iPhone/iPod Touch location, too, so it would progress at the same pace that you did. Or maybe future GPS integration???
52 months ago
Other than a walking tour I cannot see how this is all that useful. GPS units are so accurate and inexpensive these days, podmap seems sort of late to the game.
[ Read All Comments ]

Analytics firm Chitika today released a report showing that by its metrics iOS has now surpassed OS X in overall web traffic share in the United States. Chitika's methodology involves an analysis...
One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199...
TheVerge's Joshua Topolsky summarizes the iPad 3 casing findings reported earlier today, but also adds his own sources regarding some details of the iPad 3.
Image from RepairLabs
As...
Last July, Apple discontinued the white MacBook from its consumer lineup, pushing consumers toward the company's popular MacBook Air line or the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The company didn't kill...
Popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot has finally arrived on the iPad, with a user interface instantly familiar to any current Tweetbot user. Designed for the Twitter power-user, Tweetbot packs a...