This seems like something Apple would want to patent. I wouldn't be surprised if...

pkaler · on Sept 4, 2013

Already patented. You even have the choice of which patent you would like to infringe:

  - Apple: http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20100227632
  - RIM: http://www.uberphones.com/2010/12/rim-sues-kik-patent-infringement/
  - MS: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2009/mar09/03-25AXIGENPR.aspx

bobz · on Sept 4, 2013

Android has had "Sync Adapters" since the beginning, a very cool and powerful framework that allows apps to piggy back off each other's data connections, reducing the number of times the cell modem needs to be fired up for background fetches.

Not a new concept, I'm sure the patent battle lines are already well drawn.

guelo · on Sept 4, 2013

SyncAdapters were added in Android 2.x