Tag: Geolocation

Geolocation technology patent obtained by Apple for adjusting settings

| November 8, 2013

This tech allows the location of a device to help to determine some of its settings.

Apple has just received a new patent that involves the use of geolocation technology that is a part of a comprehensive system that will control consumer devices, adjusting their settings based on where they are.

This would allow Apple to use data based on location as provided from devices such as iPads and iPhones.

Apple would be able to use geolocation technology provided through its devices as well as the use of RFID badges or credit cards to identify the whereabouts of a user to automated systems. This would allow those automated systems to act on behalf of the user, such as adjusting climate control, turning on or off lights, or turning on or off power.

This geolocation technology functions in a way that is compared to geo-fencing.

Apple Geolocation TechnologyGeo-fencing is something that Apple already uses in its own native Reminders app on its mobile device operating system. It functions by using geolocation technology to determine when a user has entered into or has exited a pre-designated location in order to trigger actions, such as providing an alert of something that the individual wanted to remember. However, this new system would take the tech a step further. Instead of sending out a reminder to the user, it would automatically take actions in the user’s household in order to achieve goals such as making it more comfortable for the person because the lights are on and it has been heated or cooled, or it could save energy.

This does make the new geolocation technology somewhat more complex than the original use. The patent provides a description of a system that would gather information so that it could not only identify where the user happens to be and where they are headed, but also the types of activities in which they will be engaging along their route and once they reach their destination. This requires a great deal of accuracy in terms of making these predictions.

It means that the geolocation technology will either need to rely on regular polling of the mobile device from regular intervals, or it will need to be accumulated from fixed remote devices such as the receivers of keycards or when certain trigger events take place, such as when a device communicates with a particular cell tower.

Geolocation technology focus taken by latest Groupon app

| November 7, 2013

The company is refocusing both its application and mobile site on search, personalization, and local.

Although Groupon has been very successful in mobile, it has been struggling since it became a publicly traded company and has been working to overcome those challenges through the use of geolocation technology and other mobile friendly techniques.

Since the CEO of the company, Andrew Mason, was sent packing, the company’s revenue has declined.

In fact, since that time, there has been a steady reduction in the daily deal site’s income. This has occurred as consumers seem to be growing immune to the emails of flash sales, either shying away from them or completely ignoring them. However, the current CEO, Eric Lefkofsky, has a new strategy in mind, which includes everything from geolocation technology to a highly personalized consumer experience.

Geolocation technology has become increasingly important in the mobile marketing environment.

Geolocation Technology - Groupon appBoth the mobile website and the app have now been changed at Groupon with a considerable shift in their focus. They are now aiming directly at the places in which people actually look for their deals. Therefore, there has been a considerable swing toward personalization, geolocation technology, and search. These redesigns appear to make a great deal of sense and could make all the difference in turning the company’s revenue trend around, to an upward direction.

In fact, the geolocation technology based “Local Explorer” feature has opened up a number of new opportunities as it automatically pops up content within the user’s current city. This was once served only with a “nearby” tag. Now, it detects the user’s location and alters the background, sending targeted deals by way of push notifications, as well. These provide users with reminders of the existence of the app while they’re on vacation or travelling; times in which they are most likely to want discounts in places such as restaurants.

Moreover, beyond geolocation technology, there is also now a search bar at the top of all of the mobile screens, which place a greater focus on searching, which has never been there, before. Along with the personalized greetings and deals, this suggests a considerably enhanced experience for the customer.