Google patent describes integration between Google+ and wireless carriers

[Guest Jeff Causey]

 

A new patent application with the USPTO titled Integration of Carriers with Social Networks describes how a “circle-based” social network could interface with wireless carriers to make it easier for people to connect. The description in the patent application indicates the social network could scan contact information that a user has connected to their account, like contacts in Google+, and cross-reference this with information in a wireless carriers database. If a match is discovered the social network could automatically create a group (or circle) that includes those matches. For example, if a user bought a new phone and service from Sprint, upon logging in to their Google+ account, contacts would be cross-checked against Sprint’s database of users to identify other Sprint customers, all of whom would be dumped into a circle for preferred calling.

 

Depending on deals that Google may strike with different carriers, the system could also be used by consumers to manually create circles that enjoy the benefit of free calling no matter what network the other individual is using. Users could create something like a “Framily” group, though not necessarily all Sprint users, that they could make free calls to.

 

The proposed system does raise some interesting questions. For instance, the Android dialer currently has access to groups that a user sets up in their Gmail contacts, but I am not aware of the dialer having access to Google+ circles. This means the process of placing a call would have to originate from Google+ unless the dialer were changed. Changes to the dialer that incorporate access to Google+ data could be a possibility though as we know Google is working on an update to the dialer. Alternatively, Google Voice could finally be merged into Hangouts making it easier to make calls based on membership in Google+ circles. We have also seen some rumors about Google getting into the wireless carrier business. Offering something like unlimited calling to a preferred circle regardless of carrier could be a selling point for plans that do not benefit from unlimited minutes.

 

Do you think you would welcome the kind of integration between Google+ and wireless carriers as described in this patent application?

 

source: Phandroid

 

 

Come comment on this article: Google patent describes integration between Google+ and wireless carriers

Visit

TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

 

 

News via TalkAndroid