Everybody pays close attention to the patents that Apple files from time to time, and its latest one, regarding proximity-based ads, is certainly one that catches the eye. The patent is generally about allowing users to add contacts as icons on the home screen, but it goes on to elaborate a design where business could contact people based on their proximity, so if you’re near a coffee joint, you could opt to receive contact information, address and current offers whenever you’re near that shop. Such communication could be established via any wired or wireless communications, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and even GPS. Of course, this could lead to a potential barrage of offers if you decide to subscribe to many shops, and go take a walk in your local mall or something. It’s certainly something interesting though, and we’ll keep an eye on this, and see what Apple comes up with.