A new Apple patent application was discovered by AppleInsider this week that details an iPhone/iPad app that would help users better coordinate their busy schedules revolving around moviegoing. Called "Systems and Methods for Providing Context-Based Movie Information", the app would interface with both online movie schedules and a user's calendar to avoid unnecessary guesswork in trying to determine the best time and location to see a film.
Such integration might also extend to the user's contacts who, if similarly-enabled, might be broadcasting their own movie scheduling. It would then be a simple matter to connect the dots and issue a meet-up request for everyone to see the same movie together.
Because Apple tends to do these kinds of things large-scale, this app, when implemented, might feature a partnership with a service like Fandango or Moviefone. Imagine this scenario: You want to see the latest Jason Statham flick, so you fire up your movie search app to find where and when it's playing based on your current location. The app notifies you of any impending scheduling conflict from your calendar, and tells you that two of your friends are already scheduled to see the same movie and offers to send them a message suggesting you all hook up. Finally, once the plans have been made, a simple button press allows you to order as many tickets as you want. What might have taken nearly a half-hour of phone calls and laborious scheduling has been simplified and reduced to mere minutes.
As this patent application was filed in December of 2009, we have no imformation on how far along app development might be, or when it might be announced. Keep your ears open and eyes on Mac|Life for further coverage!
