Patent Watch: Apple Working On Cloud-Based Radio Broadcast Services

As reported by PatentlyApple, Apple has recently paid yet another visit to the U. S. Patent Office, and in turn, the government agency has just published a few of those patent applications. One of the patent applications that was submitted on October 21, 2010, involves a Cloud Based Radio Broadcast System. The general idea related to this patent application is the use of a device, invented by Apple (most likely an iPhone), that makes use of the conventional broadcast radio waves. One of the features to be offered is akin to those of digital video recording; the ability to pause during a live broadcast of a radio program. The example that Apple summarized focused on a mobile device that was interrupted because of lost reception. At the place where the broadcast stopped, the device would search for alternatives to the conventional radio systems, such as remote servers via "the cloud." Once the device reached a point within range of radio waves, it would simply continue at the point where the broadcast previously stopped. In essence, the device would deliver a seamless stream to the user listening to a live radio broadcast or podcast. This is nothing particularly revolutionary, but it makes it clear that Apple is indeed thinking about the cloud, and its possible uses. Given that Apple's cloud offering may center around music streaming, what are you expecting from Cupertino? Tell us in the comments.