Another Apple patent hints at the functionality they might build into future versions of the iPhone, and if the thought of a network of Jesus Phones all whispering to each other scares you then I suggest you look away now.  Specifying a system similar to Push-to-Talk, only without a central processing server and instead performing all data handling on the sending device, it's designed to communicate data via a voice channel between handsets.

What does that mean?  Well, the patent suggests a system where information is read out to visually-impaired users, and since it's a direct exchange the possibility exists for localised data distribution such as guides around complex areas (think hospitals or shopping centres).  It could also be re-encoded back into text or image on the receiving handset should the environment not be suitable for vocalisation.

Ars Technica suggest that this could show the future of Visual Voicemail: text messages or emails of transcribed voicemail messages.  That technology already exists, in the form of third-party transcription services, however.  I think this has far more applications when you think of areas poorly served by networks - without needing a carrier backbone, the iPhone could establish some sort of mesh network using different handsets in range.

What applications do you think this patent could herald?  Let us know in the comments.