Apple has filed a patent application introducing innovative techniques to enhance search capabilities and network access on electronic devices, particularly mobile ones. The patent focuses on utilizing usage data—information collected from how users interact with their devices—to improve the searching, ranking, and presentation of digital media content.
Source link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9104670B2/en
One of the key aspects of the patent is the monitoring and recording of usage data directly on the electronic device. According to the patent:
“The usage data can pertain to a user of an electronic device. The usage data can be monitored and recorded on the electronic device.“
— SUMMARY
This usage data includes details like which digital media assets a user interacts with and how they use them. For example, the system can track how far a user has progressed in an e-book or a game.
The patent outlines methods where this usage data is used to predict the user’s needs and enhance their experience. When the system detects that a user is nearing the end of a digital media asset, it can proactively retrieve related content:
“When the usage data indicates that the reader is nearing the end of the e-book, the predictive digital data acquisition can operate to acquire related digital data from one or more remote servers.“
— DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
This predictive approach ensures that users have seamless access to new content without relying on constant network availability.
Another significant innovation described in the patent is the customization of search results based on usage data. The system can rank search results to make them more relevant to the user’s preferences:
“Results of a search can be ranked in accordance with the usage data. The usage data can result from monitoring usage of an electronic device (e.g., mobile electronic device).“
— DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The search interface, or GUI, plays a crucial role in this personalization. It includes facets like category, release date, star rating, price, and type, which can be automatically adjusted based on the user’s usage patterns:
“In another embodiment, one or more of the facets… can be automatically selected based on usage data.“
— DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
By tailoring the search facets and ranking to individual users, the system enhances the efficiency and relevance of search results.
In summary, Apple’s patent application proposes methods to:
- Monitor and record usage data on electronic devices to understand user behavior.
- Predict and pre-fetch digital media content, ensuring users have immediate access to content they are likely to want next.
- Customize and rank search results based on the collected usage data, providing a more personalized search experience.
- Adjust search interface facets automatically, streamlining the search process by highlighting options most relevant to the user.
These advancements aim to improve user experience by making content access more intuitive and less dependent on continuous network connectivity, addressing common frustrations with mobile device limitations.
Part of the patet that may be related to ASO
Apple obtained this patent in 2010. Although it’s a distant possibility, it can be speculated that it contains ideas that could influence iTunes’ ranking factors. Therefore, some details in the patent application might be considered potential ranking factors. Below, I’ve listed the details from the patent text that could serve as ranking factors:
1. User Ratings (Star Ratings)
Explanation:
- The star ratings an application receives from users may affect its ranking in search results. Applications with higher ratings may appear higher in the rankings.
Quote from the Text:
“The ordering of the matching electronic files within the list can be random, alphabetical, or by attribute (e.g., date, size, popularity or user rating).”
— BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
2. Popularity
Explanation:
- The number of downloads or the general popularity of an application can be a significant factor in its ranking. More popular applications may become more visible.
Quote from the Text:
“Attributes like date, size, popularity or user rating can be used for ordering.”
— BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
3. Recency and Release Date
Explanation:
- The release date or the last update date of an application can affect its ranking. Newer or frequently updated applications may be displayed preferentially.
Quote from the Text:
“Attributes like date… can be used for ordering.”
— BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
4. Application Relevance (Match to Search Criteria)
Explanation:
- How well an application matches the user’s search keywords plays a decisive role in ranking.
Quote from the Text:
“Searching can be performed using key words supplied by a user that is requesting a search. Upon receiving the key words for the search, a computer can perform a search for matching electronic files.”
— BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
5. Category and Proper Labeling
Explanation:
- Listing the application in the correct category and defining it with appropriate tags can help it appear higher in search results.
Quote from the Text:
“The facet region 704 can include a category facet 706…”
— DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
6. Pricing
Explanation:
- The price of the application can affect its ranking, especially if users prefer free or discounted applications.
Quote from the Text:
“The facet region 704 can include… a price facet 712…”
— DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
7. Device Compatibility
Explanation:
- Compatibility with different devices or being optimized for a specific device type can provide a ranking advantage for users using that device.
Quote from the Text:
“Examples of types can include: all, netbook (e.g., iPad™) and smart phone (e.g., iPhone™).”
— DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
8. User Interaction and Usage Data
Explanation:
- Usage data, such as how frequently the application is used or how much time users spend on it, can affect its ranking.
Quote from the Text:
“The usage data can pertain to a user of an electronic device. The usage data can be monitored and recorded on the electronic device… In one embodiment, the usage data can be used to enhance searching of digital assets…”
— SUMMARY
9. Application Size
Explanation:
- The file size of the application can affect user preference and thus ranking, especially for devices with limited storage.
Quote from the Text:
“Attributes like date, size, popularity or user rating can be used for ordering.”
— BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
10. Application Presentation and Visuals
Explanation:
- Attractive icons, screenshots, and descriptions can increase the likelihood of users downloading the application, indirectly affecting its ranking.
Quote from the Text:
“For each of the digital media assets 720, the representation can, for example, include a graphic 722, descriptive information 724, a price 726 and a ‘buy’ button 728.”
— DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
In conclusion, the patent application reveals various factors that could potentially influence the ranking algorithms of iTunes and the App Store. Elements such as user reviews, star ratings, application recency, popularity, pricing, and device compatibility can affect how applications are ranked in search results. These factors stand out as important points for application developers to pay attention to.
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