Earthcomber Wins Patent for Permission-Based Mobile Search
Earthcomber has been awarded a patent for a location-based, mobile search system that allows individuals to sweep their surroundings for personal interests. The method notifies users about people, places, and things nearby that match a person’s specific preferences.
Earthcomber’s method transmits ads only if the user has stated an explicit preference for the product or service, as advertisers cannot legally transmit messages to mobile consumers without their permission. Along with being a key enabler for mobile advertisers, like directory publishers, the patent is expected to provide a foundation for social networking on mobile devices since users can be alerted about nearby friends or people with common characteristics.
“Personalization and privacy have become so important to mobile users,” said Jim Brady, founder and CEO of Earthcomber LLC. “With our approach, users build profiles to suit their preferences — essentially a ‘DNA’ of all your personal tastes and interests. Then, when you do a search, you get back only those things nearby that match your preferences.”
He added that, “Our approach transforms mobile search into a positive environment in which buyers and sellers connect for mutual benefit.”
The methodology is featured in Earthcomber’s location-based personal navigation suite for Palm OS, Windows Mobile Pocket PC, and Java-capable cell phones and PDAs.
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