Apple iPod ecosystem

Among Apple's published patent applications today is a broadly comprehensive one, simply listed as Media Player System. The patent would cover virtually all aspects of normal iPod and iPhone use, including not just the controls and displays on the devices, but docks, connectors and the process of synching to a computer.

An unusual aspect is that the patent implies wireless possibilities not currently present on Apple media players, at least not via first-party devices; under Apple's scheme handhelds could not only be equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but technologies such as RF, FM radio, infrared, UWB (used in wireless USB) or magnetic induction. Media could in theory be shared between handhelds, according to the patent, and an attached image shows an iPod with an antenna. Unlike Microsoft's Zunes though, current production iPods do not support player-to-player transmission, or FM radio tuning.

The patent was originally filed in October of 2007.

by MacNN Staff