As maligned of a product as the Microsoft Zune is, the little digital audio player has a few tricks up its sleeve that the iPod can't match. The wireless sharing feature for example, which, as crippled as it is [1], has yet to be duplicated by the folks in Cupertino. If a recent patent filing offers any indication, however, Apple may be planning a "social" revolution of its own. The filing details a system whereby WiFi-enabled devices automatically recognize each other, share contact info and transfer files. What's more, it seems like the service might come tied in with an over-the-air iTunes download service. If well executed, over-the-air iTunes could prove to be the killer app for WiFi-enabled iPods.

Microsoft, however, isn't resting on its laurels. The company recently filed a patent of its own, detailing a new system where a Zune user could opt to purchase a track over-the-air after it has expired. Even better, the user who initially shared the track would get a commission on the sale. That's a brilliant marketing tactic that could really get Zune users sharing--if Microsoft can work out the copyright agreements are currently crippling the device's WiFi sharing.

For more on the Apple patent:
- see this article [2] from Electronista

For more on the Zune patent:
- see this article [3] from Zune Scene