Patent application suggests iPod SIM card add-on
updated 12:55 pm EDT, Fri July 10, 2009
Wireless iPod add-on?
Apple has been contemplating a number of different iPod accessories, ones which could dramatically enhance the usefulness of a player if put into production, a recent patent application suggests. While some of the proposed concepts already exist -- including speakers and microphones -- others are purely theoretical, such an external storage add-on. A user could thus increase available space via a flash or hard drive.
Wireless accessories are also already on sale in the form of Bluetooth and FM transmitters, used to connect with speakers, headsets and remotes. The patent filing suggests the option of a SIM card however, which could allow cellular data or even GSM phone calls to be processed on devices other than an iPhone. Such technology would also require special arrangements with carriers, or else support of 3G data modems meant for tethering.
Data...
07/10, 01:11pm reply
Would be nice to have a cellular data enhancement to the iPod Touch for those who either don't want or can't afford iPhone service. Perhaps this is hinting at multi-carrier support?
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Fast iBook
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Re: Data...
07/10, 02:41pm reply
How exactly would that work? The iPhone data plan on AT
cmoney
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A cellular iPod touch
07/10, 03:53pm reply
Even better would be a wrap-around-the-back attachment to the iPod touch that let it operate as a cell phone or data on other cellular systems. Or at the very least, make it data only but run the phone as VoIP.
Would a iPod touch gone cellular break Apple's contract with AT&T? That'd be the interesting part.
Inkling
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Data............
07/10, 04:46pm reply
You sign up for what they have now set up as laptop connect plans, but they would include access from iPod touch, future iPods, and 1st gen iPhones. You could also have 2 adapter one transceiver, one plugs into the usb port on a regular computer, one plugs into dock connector. If apple builds and sells this transceiver, it could bring in some serious money while leaving open the possibility of 3rd party adapters, including FM transmitter type stuff etc etc. It really opens a lot of doors. You could also use BT for some of this stuff.
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Re: a cellular ipod..
07/10, 05:11pm (3 replies) reply
At this point why wouldn't you just buy yourself an iPhone?
testudo
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