Why iGroups is coming to an iPhone near you

19.03.2010
Apple Inc. filed a patent application recently for mobile social networking technology called .

Mobile social networking is the use of location information ("I'm at MacWorld right now") to connect with colleagues ("you're here, too!") in a way that enhances social networking, replaces the exchanging of business cards and facilitates face-to-face meetings.

The filing of a patent doesn't mean into a product. But I think they will -- and soon. Here's why.

The iGroups technology would use either GPS, tower triangulation or some other location technology to identify the location of users' cell phones.

Any iPhone user could start a temporary social network based on location. Other people nearby could find the group and join. Members could chat, exchange files and do other things that one might do with a social network like Facebook.