During the Apple earnings call today, the company suggested that WiFi-enabled iPods were "one" of the future directions in which Cupertino sees the media player market heading. While sticking to vague characterizations, a spokesperson intimated that wireless communication would play a role in upcoming devices (as demonstrated in the
iPod touch), saying, "The iPod market is bigger than just for simple music players, one of the iPod's future direction is to be one of the first WiFi mobile platforms." Of course, Apple wasn't ready to put all its eggs in one basket, nor did it mention emerging wireless technologies such as WiMAX, but they're probably confident that customers will take it where they can get it.
posted Jan 22nd 2008 5:36PM
Welcome to the social, apple!
Apple hasnt ripped off the zune here, most PMPs have had wi-fi for years now
Im just annoyed it took them this long...
Bring wi-fi to the classic
I still wont buy it for my life, but atleast then its worth SOMETHING more than the video
Zune FTW
Still, Was Steve Jobs inebriated when coming with that zune remark?
so it'll just be an over priced palm tx?
i am definitely in love with WIFI on the iPod :D
Wave of the Future?
Yeah...here's the wave...
"BYE BYE"
-Sam Kinison
Gee really? OMG, i havn't been saying that for like the last 6 years!
Nope, you haven't. Microsoft has though...
Every good PMP has Wifi. Cowon, Archos, ect...
To be fair, i do understand why its taken so long to be implemented. The iPod wasn't really viable until iTunes, and the Apple TV wasn't really until this latest update. Wifi on a moble device is the same.. its cool to have, but until now there was no way of exploiting it. Personally, i've been begging my ipod friends for it for years cuase i just want internet streaming radio at work, something that apple wont make money on... Anyway.
Until now? As in, Apple saying they will do it? There are pleny of mobile internet devices like the Nokia N800 and PVP like the Archos 605 with full flash supported web browsers.
I thought the "someone had the same feature before you" argument had been played out long ago? Really, whether other PMPs have wi-fi is beside the point. The multi-touch interface and the OS X system simply made iPod touch and iPhone better suited to be the "mainstream Wi-Fi mobile platform."
Various Internet traffic metrics have shown that iPhone and iPod touch users surf the Web more than other mobile devices' users, despite the fact that they didn't even exist a year ago. It proves that a feature itself does not necessarily facilitate utilization. But when it's done right, you open a new door to the masses.
So it's not really about WiMax or 3G, at least not yet. It seems Apple has a roadmap for mobile computing holding close to its chest. This also why MacBook Air has a full size screen and keyboard. It's supposed to be a full-feature computer while iPod touch, iPhone, and the rumored future multi-touch tablet will fill the UMPC/PMP space.
So...when can i wirelessly sync my wi-fi ipod touch with my Mac book air.
probably when you can sync it with your macbook. or macbook pro. or mac pro. or imac. or mac mini.
whenever apple feels like implementing something that should've been there all along.
can't believe MS beat them to it.
I know wireless sync/connection is inevitable, but it should be here now.
I can browse on Touch downstairs, but there is a whole next level of connection that must not be too far away.
Seoultrain, Sony beat MS to it
When you can afford a Macbook Air :P
never! you'll have to buy a new ipod and a new macbook. remember, apple adds functionality to different devices in order to screw its customers once more.
Well, the oxshit costs $232.33
Why bother incorporating WiMAX in an iPod if people won't pay for it? There's bound to be no universal (i.e. city-wide, for instance) Wi-Fi or WiMAX type technology that will be widespread for quite a while anyway.
EDGE is slow, but at least the average consumer can afford it. High-speed internet in a consumer oriented device will surely yield a high price tag and few buyers.
iTunes via Wi-Fi sure is nice though, when it's accessible.
You bring up a great point with your argument for "accessibility". But personally, I would sacrifice some accessibility for free wireless (wifi > edge > wimax). I'd really rather not have a monthly cost associated with my ipod.
"EDGE is slow, but at least the average consumer can afford it. High-speed internet in a consumer oriented device will surely yield a high price tag and few buyers."
Don't jump to conclusions... People just a few months ago were paying $200 more for an iPhone than we are now, and it was still selling very well. At the current price, adding 3G to the iPhone couldn't possibly add any more than $200 to the price of the phone, and the market has shown that people will pay that much for it even without 3G, so it's hard to say that 3G would be too expensive...
-Taylor
My apologies, when I was referring to "high-speed internet" I was only referring to Wi-Fi and WiMAX, which I believe would be costly and unfeasible for a device like the iPod (or perhaps, iPhone). 3G might appeal to a limited amount of consumers at its current pricing, but could be (and should be) the next step for Apple to take. I'd certainly become an early adopter (ahem, provided they don't gyp me on software upgrades, re: iPod Touch).
Keep your fingers crossed. I certainly am.
@roulette843
"3G might appeal to a limited amount of consumers at its current pricing,"
There are really a few different issues here. If you are speaking about data cards for laptops, then yes I agree. However, if you are referring to a future HSDPA (assuming AT&T lock)iPhone, I would assume the monthly plan cost wouldn't be too much greater than it is now.
Edge is atrocious, especially in my area, and I will NOT pay for it. So in the meantime I have a 3G Treo and an iTouch. I welcome the day of the next iPhone model...
Here's something else that's the "Wave of the Future" ...A2DP.
Apple, TAKE THE HINT!
I think I saw some A2DP headphones last year. They were $200 and sounded like crap. They may be the wave of the future, but it won't be any time soon.
I think I saw some A2DP headphones last year. They were $200 and sounded like crap. They may be the wave of the future, but it won't be any time soon.
I remember how people commented that the Zune having WiFi was nothing. How WiFi was incredibly useless on a PMP. That it was a joke.
Now I can finally see that people are warming up to the idea of WiFi on a PMP. Mainly due to the precence of the Zune's latest WiFi abilities like sharing and synchronizing, and then the iPod Touch's use of WiFi to access the music store and internet on the go.
Can't wait to see more done with WiFi on PMP's.
wifi on zunes is useless. there isnt a browser or wireless store.
The Zune's WiFi was a joke. "Squirting" songs wasn't the killer app Microsoft hoped it would be, or rather they haven't reached critical mass yet to make it so.
WiFi on the iPod Touch lets you send and receive email, track stocks, view maps, browse the web, etc. It's all about the differences in implementation and how it's to be used. That's what makes WiFi valuable on a portable device.
These are early times for ubiquitous wireless devices. Lots of vendors will be heading in this direction, not just Apple. They just happen to have one of the early success stories.
@austin:
Then I should say WiFi on iPod Touch is useless too. It won't synchronize with the computer or share content with friends.
But I really don't consider both useless. I still prefer browsing on a computer with all my add-ons, and full site rendition on my screen. And buying music on the go isn't that much of a biggie to most people. I could see these as firmware updates to all Zunes.
I think Apple was referring to expanding iPod into handheld connectivity device as opposed to a modern walkman. Basically a umpc for the average joe, providing basic pc functionality (email, browsing, media). Makes sense to me, though I'd expect a phone to supersede it, for two reasons: lack of free wi-fi access everywhere and you essentially have to have a cell phone...why carry around 2 devices when one will do?
The Zune, though it has wireless, comes nowhere near that. No browser, no maps, no email...
@michael
it doesnt have wireless sync, but it should.
this is the only thing that the ipod doesnt have have. it is far from useless. when apps are released with the SDK, the possibilities are endless on what can be done with the ipod's wifi
@Samurai Jack:
I'm well aware of the iPod Touch's WiFi ability.
But I'm also aware that you can't connect to the internet from just 'anywhere', I've heard several issues of how it's rather slow, how you still can't browse everything like on a desktop computer, among other things.
It's a great step ahead though.
@Michael...
I hope you didn't think I was being critical of you, because I wasn't. I was just trying to contrast the different approaches to wireless connectivity taken by Microsoft and Apple, and the relative value each provides. Your post inspired the comments, but they weren't directed only at you. It's possible that not everyone is as familiar with the capabilities of the iPod Touch as you and I are.
I'm on record here at Engadget as not being a fan of Microsoft. I still like to think I'm fair to them when I write about my experiences with their products. Given critical mass I think there could be some real value in the Zune approach, even with the DRM restrictions. But the Apple approach provides value regardless of how many units they sell.
As I said, it's early days yet. I expect lots of vendors to compete successfully in this space, not just Apple.
@Samurai Jack:
No, I'm not being upset or mad over such a silly thing like that. Your comment was ok. I'm not trying to be pro anything. I'm saying that both companies have made head-way into putting WiFi on their PMP's, and pretty soon other companies might follow through. Which is great for the consumer.
I'm just putting out that I think that Microsoft putting WiFi into their PMP, seems to be the start of the WiFi revolution in PMP's. Like Apple sets a good standard in their products, Microsoft took the cake on this one.
I appreciate what both companies have to offer. I'm just saying to look at it both ways. To some, Zune's WiFi may be useless, but to some it's not. I probably wouldn't use WiFi on either player much, but it's there.
If you'd like to sit there and synchronize 80GB from your PC to your Zune over an 802.11g Wi-Fi connection, be my guest. Or send songs to the one other Zune user that you may encounter in a year, then also be my guest. The iPod Touch and iPhone's WiFi is actually useful with a wireless music store, web browsing, and email, in addition to weather, stocks, and Google Maps. If you buy something on the Zune Marketplace, chances are your Zune is in the general vicinity of your PC. There's no advantage in a slower (than USB 2) sync over WiFi. If you have to dock your Zune for automatic wireless syncs, then why not just dock it at your PC?
I assure you that wifi on the Touch is anything but slow. Internet browsing is just about as easy as it can possibly get, and while there is no flash just yet I'm sure that will be coming as a future software update. I've used just about every kind of mobile browser out there Pocket IE, Opera Mini, Deepfish, and mobile Safari is absolutely the easiest and smoothest mobile browser out there.
I actually don't remember the last time I checked my email on my PC, I just use my iPod.
@ Bloobie
Are you saying that big file transfers through wireless, like the MPA does, are useless or something!?
If Apple did it, then it must be right!!!
Yeah, Apple copied the Zune in putting Wifi in it. Thieves!!
a 3G iphone would be pimp. Get me that apple.
I'm getting the best of both worlds...
I'm not stuck with the iPhone's EDGE network, or no MMS or A2DP etc.; using AT&T Tilt with 3G.
And I'm not using WM6 PIE browser either; using my iPod Touch for browsing by connecting to my Tilt's 3G network through WMWifiRouter.
Yeah it's two devices, but I don't have to compromise either. :-)
What's the point in having Wifi capabilities in an iPod when there currently are very few applications that take advantage of it and the 'big' (relatively to what it does) processor. Not to mention the crap Apple would probably have it come with it, 20$ for the apps, restrictive file sharing, basicly giving you an awesome product but cutting what it could possibly do in half, because it's not 'what it's intended to do'. argh [/rant]
Unless of course Apple is planning on opening it's portable platform...
Wouldn't it be awesome to have a program that allows you to access your home computer by wifi to take advantage of it's resources and basically use the 'iPod' as a wireless monitor/speaker/mouse/keyboard. But maybe that would be just too good of an idea, I guess modifing an OS to fit on the small screen and stuff would be just too much trouble compared to cramming more power in the iPod.
Well, depending on how restrictive the iPhone/iPod Touch SDK licensing is, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do any of the things you talk about.
You have to remember that the iPod touch is basically running OSX.
If only the Touch had bluetooth!
With more devices coming equipped with 3G sans the contracts, (i.e. Amazon Kindle) I wonder if this could be possibility for the future for iTunes purchases.
Here's a use for wireless on a PMP:
1) You have a monthly service that gives you access to the complete library of downloadable songs, an all-you-can-eat like Zune or Napster or whoever else is doing it these days
2) You have a real 3g solution - EvDO RevA or HSDPA
3) You can browse the songs on your device - OR in the massive collection your service provides
4) You can stream from the service, play off the local device, or (if your home connection supports it) stream off a home computer, or listen to internet radio.
5) One reasonable, monthly fee for wireless access AND all-I-can-eat-downloads. Let me store files on my local device so I can play them back without connection.
Advantage?
The hard drive can finally be relatively small without compromising functionality (8-16gb?), I actually get my music when / where I want it (no matter who it comes from), and the record companies can dole out royalties based on a portion of my monthly fee vs. individual songs. If your song is one of only 10 I paid for that month, I paid 1/10th my monthly fee for it. If it's one of 10,000 then I obviously didn't care much about it, and thus you shouldn't be paid much.
Don't expect this from Apple though. Their business model relies on iTunes as a revenue stream (and user lock-in). No, I'd expect this from Microsoft, Napster, Amazon (KindleMP3), or Google. Look for the wireless partner to probably be Sprint, as they have the unused bandwidth, wide network roll-out, and are DESPERATE for business.
before i was finished reading i was about to mention how you mean sort of like a kindle, but with music ..seems you've beaten me to it :)
anyways, the only problem with that is that the 'bandwidth problem' that the wireless companies with 3g (or even wimax if they really wanted money), would 'face' would create a real problem.
imagine the person who streams every day, and how much bandwidth they use, compared to the person who checks their email on the device
i foresee problems such as tiered buying, similar to the road runner crap that's trying to be pulled.
sorry for the double
but honestly, sprint may be desperate, but most companies these days enjoy sucking the life out of consumers if anyone hasn't noticed :(