Why iGroups is coming to an iPhone near you

Mobile social networking is the use of location information ("I'm at MacWorld right now") to connect with colleagues ("you're here, too!") in a way that enhances social networking, replaces the exchanging of business cards and facilitates face-to-face meetings.

The filing of a patent doesn't mean Apple will turn this technology into a product. But I think they will -- and soon. Here's why.

How iGroups works

The iGroups technology would use either GPS, tower triangulation or some other location technology to identify the location of users' cell phones.

Any iPhone user could start a temporary social network based on location. Other people nearby could find the group and join. Members could chat, exchange files and do other things that one might do with a social network like Facebook.