Details have been revealed of another patent filed by Apple [AAPL], in their continuing attempt to integrate everything we do into their iPhone OS. Apple has filed a patent for ‘iTravel’.
As you can see from the patent photo below, iTravel would let you arrange everything for your holiday or your business trip directly from your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
iTravel will have the option to let you book flights, make hotel reservations, check into the airport, and even collect your baggage. You can then share the information with your iPhone contacts.
Comprehensive Travel Management
The iTravel app aims to be a comprehensive travel management tool, integrating various aspects of travel into one seamless experience. Imagine being able to book your flight, reserve a rental car, and find local attractions all from a single app. This would not only save time but also reduce the stress associated with planning a trip. The app could also provide real-time updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and even weather conditions at your destination.
Apple may use RFID technology so that even your boarding pass is stored on your iPhone and can be scanned by airport staff. This would eliminate the need for paper boarding passes, making the check-in process faster and more efficient. Additionally, the app could store other travel documents such as hotel confirmations and car rental agreements, making them easily accessible when needed.
Enhanced Security and Convenience
Security is a significant concern when it comes to travel, and Apple seems to be addressing this with the iTravel app. The use of RFID technology could also extend to your luggage, allowing you to track your bags in real-time. This would significantly reduce the chances of lost luggage and give travelers peace of mind. Moreover, the app could integrate with Apple’s existing security features like Face ID and Touch ID to ensure that only the authorized user can access sensitive travel information.
Another exciting feature could be the integration of augmented reality (AR) to enhance the travel experience. For instance, when you arrive at your destination, you could use your iPhone to get AR-based navigation through the airport or even explore local attractions with interactive guides. This would make the travel experience not only more convenient but also more engaging.
The potential for iTravel doesn’t stop at just personal travel. Business travelers could benefit immensely from such an app. Features like expense tracking, itinerary sharing with colleagues, and integration with corporate travel systems could make business trips more efficient and less cumbersome.
It certainly looks like an interesting idea, and more evidence that Apple wants to turn the iPhone into a device that can handle as many different tasks as possible. The iTravel app could revolutionize the way we travel, making it more streamlined and less stressful.
For more details, you can check out the original patent filing on Patently Apple via Slippery Brick.
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