Apple gets patent for NFC-based data exchange system

Apple Inc. has been granted a patent for a system using near field communications (NFC) to sync data between devices, similar to Samsung's "S Beam" for its Galaxy smartphones.

 

US Patent 8,458,363 - filed in June 2008 but granted only June 4 this year - described a "system and method for simplified data transfer."

 

"For example, a simplified data transfer system may include two or more devices configured to perform a simplified data transfer. The first device may be configured to save and transfer data associated with applications open on the first device. When the second device initiates communication, the first device may automatically send the open application data to the second device," it said.

 

Enthusiast site AppleInsider suggested this could be applied to Apple devices such as iPhones and Macs.

 

Under Apple's system, any number of NFC-enabled devices and file formats can be used, it added.

 

It noted the patent described possible mobile functions like "syncing data from open applications on another device, and storage of data in the cloud."

 

But AppleInsider said it is not immediately clear if Apple will include NFC technology in its products soon.

 

It also noted the patent's credited inventors includes former Apple executive Tony Fadell, the "grandfather of the iPod" and cofounder of thermostat maker Nest.

 

Other inventors include Michael Rosenblatt, Gloria Lin, Amir Mahood Mikhak, Taido Lantz Nakajima, Sean Anthony Mayo and Andrew Hodge. — TJD, GMA News