Method and apparatus for the implementation of a real-time, sharable browsing experience on a guest device
The present invention describes a method and apparatus for the implementation of a real-time, sharable web browsing experience on a guest device, utilizing the transfer of URL and form data information. The present invention further describes a method for joining a synchronized browsing session administered by a synchronization server, comprising activating a hyperlink associated with the synchronized browsing session, sending a request to join the synchronized browsing session to the synchronization server in response to the activation of the hyperlink, and joining the synchronized browsing session. The present invention further describes a method for implementing a synchronized browsing session, comprising receiving information related to a shared web browsing interaction performed by a host device from a synchronization server, and performing the shared web browsing interaction based on the information received from the synchronization server.
1. A method for a guest device performing a synchronized browsing session administered by a synchronization server, comprising:
detecting an activation of a hyperlink associated with the synchronized browsing session by a guest device;
sending a request by the guest device to join the synchronized browsing session to the synchronization server in response to the activation of the hyperlink;
receiving from the synchronization server a notification that guest device has joined the synchronized browsing session;
receiving data from the synchronization server, where the data relates to a website being accessed in real-time by a host device; and wherein the data comprises a URL of the website and cookie information associated with the website and the host device; and
operating a browser by the guest device based on the data received from the synchronization server.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving an invitation to join the synchronized browsing session.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the invitation comprises the hyperlink associated with the synchronized browsing session.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the invitation further comprises a session identifier.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the invitation is received via:
a social network communication;
a news feed;
an email message;
an instant message communication;
a micro-blogging communication;
a text message communication; or
other communication medium.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein information related to the shared user input web browsing interaction comprises:
form data;
java script data; or
other web browsing interaction data.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shared user input web browsing interaction is depicted in a first web browser window.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein non-shared web browsing interactions are depicted in a second web browser window.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shared user input web browser action further comprises a log-in into a restricted-access webpage.
10. An apparatus for a guest device performing a synchronized browsing session administered by a synchronization server, comprising:
a network interface adapted to communicate with the synchronization server; and
a processor adapted to:
detect an activation of a hyperlink associated with the synchronized browsing session by a guest device;
send a request to join the synchronized browsing session to the synchronization server via the network interface, in response to the activation of the hyperlink;
receive from the synchronization server a notification that guest device has joined the synchronized browsing session;
receiving data from the synchronization server, where the data relates to a website being accessed in real-time by a host device, and wherein the data comprises a URL of the website and cookie information associated with the website and the host device; and
operate a browser by the guest device based on the data received from the synchronization server.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising a user interface adapted to initiate the processor to send the request in response to a user input.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the user input comprises activation of the hyperlink for initializing sending of the request to join the synchronized browsing session.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising a memory adapted to store one or more software modules for controlling the processor.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the hyperlink is received from a host device via:
a social network communication;
a news feed;
an email message;
an instant message communication;
a micro-blogging communication;
a text message communication; or
other communication medium.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising a user interface adapted to depict the shared user input web browsing interactions in a shared web browsing window.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein information related to the shared user input web browsing interaction comprises:
form data;
java script data; or
other web browsing interaction data.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the shared user input web browsing interaction is depicted in a first web browser window.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein non-shared web browsing interactions are depicted in a non-shared web browser window.