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.

by MacNN Staff