- Rockin’ Patent: US Patent No. 8,521,316
- Filed: 31 March 2010
- In the name of: Apple Inc
- Title: Coordinated Group Musical Experience
- What’s claimed: “A method, comprising; receiving information at a first personal communication device from a second personal communication device, the information including an indication of a shared music characteristic of a first music content privately playing on the second personal communication device, the first music content included in a first music item selected for playing from a plurality of first music items stored in the second personal communication device; selecting at least a second music item from a second plurality of music items stored in the first personal communication device in accordance with the shared music characteristic; and privately playing the selected second music item on the first personal communication device, where the selected second music item includes second music content that shares the music characteristic with first music content stored on the second personal communication device, and where the first and second music content are different.”
- Why this patent rocks: This patent relates to a method for providing Apple users with a ‘silent disco’-like experience. Unlike a ‘silent disco’, the song doesn’t necessarily have to be the same for all listeners. According to this patent, information about the musical characteristics of a track can be shared, such as its tempo. A song stored in the user’s own device can then be found that closely matches that of the DJ. Signals can be transmitted between devices over the Internet, using Bluetooth, or using other wireless communications so the music experience can be shared at the same or in different geographical locations. If you’d like to read a more detailed take on Apple Inc and this patent, see here!
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The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.
