Apple files patent application for multi-person voice calling without mobile or Wi-Fi, communicating directly with nearby iPhones like AirDrop
A patent application filed by Apple has revealed that the company is developing technology that would allow users to make voice calls to multiple people in close proximity using only an iPhone and AirPods, without the need for mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Apple could allow audio chat with no cell or WiFi needed
A patent application filed by the company has revealed that Apple is developing a feature for the iPhone similar to the Apple Watch's walkie- talkie, which will transmit voice data directly between devices, unlike conventional voice calls that send and receive voice data over the Internet. However, unlike the Apple Watch's walkie-talkie, it will be capable of instant communication and will be able to make voice calls not only between individuals but also between multiple people.
Regarding Apple's patent application, technology media Appleinsider describes it as 'something like a conversational version of AirDrop.' With AirDrop, iPhone users can share files directly between iPhones without using a mobile network or Wi-Fi. The current patent application also uses a similar technology to realize voice calls. It also allows one-to-many connections, allowing all group members to talk at the same time.
For example, this feature will be useful for groups to keep in touch with each other at a crowded festival. The iPhone is also planning to use the technology that calculates the direction and distance of Apple's lost item tracker, AirTags, to show the direction and location of the person you're calling.
Apple's ultra-wideband (UWB) technology already allows the iPhone and Apple Watch to pinpoint the location of people and objects. As Appleinsider explains, 'UWB works a bit like echolocation, sending out radio waves and measuring the returning signal.'
The UWB chip allows iOS and watchOS to obtain the direction of devices such as AirTags and measure the distance in real time, so Appleinsider notes that the technology can be used not only for voice calls, but also when meeting up with specific people in crowded environments.
In addition, mobile lines and Wi-Fi may become unusable due to overload during emergencies such as disasters, but Apple's technology allows you to make voice calls to specific people without any problems even if the line goes down, so Appleinsider points out that it may be useful in emergencies.
The UI of this technology has two circles, with people who are close by being displayed in the inner circle and people who are far away being displayed in the outer circle.
Like AirDrop, this new technology allows users to start voice calls with people who are not registered in their contacts. Users can add people to a conversation by simply tapping their name, and the only requirement for joining the call is that you must be near the host. However, like AirDrop, it is expected that there will be an option to only call people you know the contact information for.
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