Apple patent application reveals wireless iPod

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  • Reply 21 of 43
    If Apple created a cheap Flash-based iPod, what could it offer that other flash players don't? Wireless streaming from iTunes! Because you can only fit so many files on a (128 MB?) flash drive. Make sence?
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  • Reply 22 of 43
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Liono

    If Apple created a cheap Flash-based iPod, what could it offer that other flash players don't?



    1. Compatibility with the popular iTMS.



    2. iPod "panache".
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  • Reply 23 of 43
    The iPod is where it is at right now, and it is a new product that can be much more innovative than a desktop or something.



    That and the fact that they can't get the processors that they would like to be able to advance the PowerMac line. I am sure that there are innovations in the pipline, the new iMac is great, the new displays are great.



    The competition is moving towards intergrating home computers with the home entertainment center. Maybe Tiger will offer a huge expansion in what can be reached wirelessly. There may be a lull while we wait for Tiger to be released and other companies to figure out what advancements they want to make next.



    M$ seems to think that their strategy of intergrating computers and televisions is going to be the next big thing. I like the idea of being able to use my computer as an Tivo, provided that it is an easy process not involving running cables everywhere. I don't know if that is a reality yet.
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  • Reply 24 of 43
    I want to see a wireless sync so I can sync an iPod (don't have one yet and it's going to be a long time before I do) without charging it which is what happens when you put it in the current dock. I also want to see an option to not charge when put in the dock, but run off computer/wall power.
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  • Reply 25 of 43
    louzerlouzer Posts: 1,054member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Chris Cuilla

    Apple is a business...a business with skills in creating devices that combine digital and analog hardware, great software, elegant design and terrific human touch. This need not be limited to "computers".



    That's a good thing, because in a couple of years they won't even be called a Computer company anymore, as they'll be out of that business.



    Their computer line-up sucks, as it only meets a small segment of the computing population's needs (the only low-cost mac is the eMac, which is laughable to say the least). Their cheapest upgradable computer is the $1500 tower. I can go to Dell's site today, spec out a 3.0GHz Tower, 160GB SATA HD, PCI-Express video, 17" flat screen monitor, 512 MB RAM, all for $800. Its hard to justify spending $2000 grand for a mac tower and LCD when you can get it for less than half the price (and don't start quoting crap like "Yeah, but if you get the Dell spec-to-spec with the mac...", the problem is, I don't need all the mac's specs, but there's nothing you can do about that). Hell, if you want to use the PC headless (which is what I was looking for), its $700. (That's right, a PCI Express video card and LCD costs only $100 more, hmmm). Of course, I also understand apple has all those high-quality parts in it. That would explain why it costs $100 to upgrade from a 80GB to 160GB HD, but it only costs $25 on the Dell (actually $43 to go from 40 to 160).



    But, hey, if you don't like Dell's current line-up/specials, just wait a week. As the prices change and deals change week to week.



    Apple, on the other hand, has the same price today for all their towers (with the exact same specs) as they did when they were announced way back in May.



    My point is that one of these companies actually seems to be in the business of selling computers. The other seems more interested in selling gizmos and banking on their dwindling but loyal customer base to just lap up whatever they offer at whatever price. So its a good thing Apple has the iPod, or otherwise some people in the company would actually have to figure out how to fix their computer business.
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  • Reply 26 of 43
    louzerlouzer Posts: 1,054member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Mac Write

    I want to see a wireless sync so I can sync an iPod (don't have one yet and it's going to be a long time before I do) without charging it which is what happens when you put it in the current dock. I also want to see an option to not charge when put in the dock, but run off computer/wall power.



    And what's the problem with 'charging' the iPod while its syncing?
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  • Reply 27 of 43
    vinney57vinney57 Posts: 1,162member
    Louzer I think youv'e posted in the wrong section. Your'e looking for the "PoiNtless JuVenile RantZ" forum.
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  • Reply 28 of 43
    Boy people sure do have a short memory.

    Why should this come as a surprise to anybody.

    Steve Jobs in an interview with Time Magazine said when talking about the iPod that it was a shame he couldn't get all the features he wanted.

    Wanted? asked the interviewer

    Answer: Yea like a color screen and wireless capabilities.



    Hell that interview was like 2 maybe 3 years ago.
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  • Reply 29 of 43
    You want to see rumors about computers? Well, just to get people going... how about what's marked as 404F on there... is that a display connected to a cpu that looks a lot like the base of the old iLamps?



    On second glance, it looks like an airport.. I'm a dumbass =)
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  • Reply 30 of 43
    :D
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  • Reply 31 of 43
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Robrippin

    You guys SERIOUSLY need to read more about the Pattent. Don't even start to talk until you understand more.



    Like the whole bit about guessing what kind of wireless connection it will use (apparently Apple is leaving it open still).



    Some people...




    And your point is? Like you see, we are discussing what connection it'll end up with..
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  • Reply 32 of 43
    This could all be a way to disguise a patent for cell-phone transmission of music. Maybe the "media player system" won't use iPods... they're just used here as misdirection.



    Then again, if this has nothing to do with cellular signals, it would be cool to set up a "wifi radio station" in your own home; broadcasting your own music to a bunch of different receivers.
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  • Reply 33 of 43
    People need to read the full patent. It doesn't just discuss wireless. It talks about a dock or media bay that would be a docking station for an iPod but would include other functionality lik another HD, a chip, a battery, and/or power. That these docks could be specialized to have speakers or microphones or screens for video.



    Also, check out some of the other details: they show an iPod that would plug into a PC (like an 8 track) or into a notebook where the track pad would be (like an iPod in its packaging [can't find a better metaphor).



    Who knows what of this will come true, but what we do know is that Apple just attempted to patent every aspect of what people WANT Apple to deliver someday.



    Read the patent in detail: they mention every possible wireless medium (FM, RF, Bluetooth, 802.11, UtraWideBand, IR, Magnetic link). They talk about every user scenario of streaming media. They talk about all modes of connectivity and docking of a player unit to a dock to a base station to a PC. They talk about every type of content from music, to photos to video to games to contacts to calendars.
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  • Reply 34 of 43
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Louzer

    Yeah, sure, bluetooth included in cars. That'll be the day. Hell, only a minority of cars sell with Radios that have easily accessible (if any) line input jack.



    Actually I believe that the new Toyota Prius has built in bluetooth, although I am not sure of its functionality.



    Quote:

    Originally posted by Mac Write

    I want to see a wireless sync so I can sync an iPod (don't have one yet and it's going to be a long time before I do) without charging it which is what happens when you put it in the current dock. I also want to see an option to not charge when put in the dock, but run off computer/wall power.



    Actually you can, at least if you own a PC. If you use the firewire adapter that came with your iPod (I believe it goes from 8 pin to 4 pin firewire, simply called iLink on my Sony Vaio), you can sync the iPod without having it recharge.
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  • Reply 35 of 43
    :D
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  • Reply 36 of 43
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Robrippin

    I agree with dp123.



    The PC dock (like an 8 track) would be awesome, along with a car stereo deck that would work the same!



    Something odd though, it talks about FM transmission from the iPod. Hasn't Griffin and Belkin kinda done just that a while back? How does this patent affect them?




    Also stated by dp123, this patent includes all types of wireless transmission technology to ensure that Apple can use any of which they choose to when/if they do release this wireless iPod.
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  • Reply 37 of 43
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Louzer

    And what's the problem with 'charging' the iPod while its syncing?



    It's bad that in every sync/charge, you loose a charge cycle. Others and I like to wait for the battery to be fully used before charging it so that we get the max life out of it, but if we sync it daily to update play counts continue a audio book etc, this will kill the batteries number of recharge cycles.



    Face is If I only use an iPod for 3 hours a day, but need to update the info on it daily, I don't want it charged daily, but every 3 days instead.
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  • Reply 38 of 43
    :D
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  • Reply 39 of 43
    Quote:

    Originally posted by xflare

    You're right, we shouldn't complain, the iPod is the only thing keeping Apple alive.



    LOL
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  • Reply 40 of 43
    Airport Express + iPod base station.



    Plug your radio into the base station, play iTunes thru it, your iPod thru it ... whatever. Plus an ethernet port for Wireless Internet.



    And if you really want to go out there, access streaming movies from the iTunes Movie Store (name it what you like: Quick Time Media Store?) to your color-LCD iPod. Video out to the TV?
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