Apple says WiFi-equipped iPods are the wave of the future... maybe

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.

[Sabba @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:40PM]

i am definitely in love with WIFI on the iPod :D

[Flashpoint @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:06AM]

Wave of the Future?
Yeah...here's the wave...
"BYE BYE"


-Sam Kinison

[Mr. S. @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:41PM]

Gee really? OMG, i havn't been saying that for like the last 6 years!

[Hashbrown_Hunter @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:27PM]

Nope, you haven't. Microsoft has though...

[fischju @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:33PM]

Every good PMP has Wifi. Cowon, Archos, ect...

[Mr. S. @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:06PM]

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.

[fischju @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:32PM]

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.

[Enough @ Jan 23rd 2008 1:57AM]

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.

[ozziebear @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:42PM]

So...when can i wirelessly sync my wi-fi ipod touch with my Mac book air.

[austin @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:47PM]

probably when you can sync it with your macbook. or macbook pro. or mac pro. or imac. or mac mini.

[Seoultrain @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:53PM]

whenever apple feels like implementing something that should've been there all along.

can't believe MS beat them to it.

[ozziebear @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:59PM]

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.

[required @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:58PM]

Seoultrain, Sony beat MS to it

[Blaktornado @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:43PM]

When you can afford a Macbook Air :P

[roberto @ Jan 22nd 2008 7:47PM]

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.

[thethirdmoose @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:53PM]

Well, the oxshit costs $232.33

[roulette843 @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:43PM]

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.

[newgalactic @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:49PM]

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.

[Taylor @ Jan 22nd 2008 9:25PM]

"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

[roulette843 @ Jan 22nd 2008 9:36PM]

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.

[Sam Winter @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:45AM]

@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...

[newgalactic @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:46PM]

Here's something else that's the "Wave of the Future" ...A2DP.

Apple, TAKE THE HINT!

[T-Bone @ Jan 22nd 2008 11:34PM]

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.

[T-Bone @ Jan 22nd 2008 11:34PM]

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.

[michael @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:51PM]

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.

[austin @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:55PM]

wifi on zunes is useless. there isnt a browser or wireless store.

[Samurai Jack @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:58PM]

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.

[michael @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:02PM]

@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.

[rip @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:11PM]

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...

[austin @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:15PM]

@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

[michael @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:19PM]

@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.

[Samurai Jack @ Jan 22nd 2008 7:28PM]

@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.

[michael @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:06PM]

@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.

[Bloobie @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:58PM]

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?

[Blue43Fan @ Jan 22nd 2008 10:02PM]

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.

[axemte @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:42AM]

@ Bloobie

Are you saying that big file transfers through wireless, like the MPA does, are useless or something!?

[Kishan @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:00PM]

a 3G iphone would be pimp. Get me that apple.

[Cagrino @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:16PM]

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. :-)

[js @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:01PM]

If Apple did it, then it must be right!!!

[paolo @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:04PM]

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.

[rip @ Jan 22nd 2008 7:11PM]

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.

[rip @ Jan 22nd 2008 7:11PM]

You have to remember that the iPod touch is basically running OSX.

[will @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:05PM]

If only the Touch had bluetooth!

[Greg Duckworth @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:10PM]

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.

[Brad @ Jan 22nd 2008 7:23PM]

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.

[Zach @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:55PM]

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.

[Zach @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:58PM]

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 :(

[brad @ Jan 23rd 2008 4:06AM]

@Zach
Good points. The thing about Sprint is that they offer an "unlimited" data plan for $25 (as low as $10 if you play your cards right and are on a corporate plan). Couple that with a $15 a month plan for "all you can eat" music? I'd pay $25 a month to have access to unlimited music, everywhere.

A way to mitigate the bandwidth problem would be to cap the bandwidth on cellular traffic. So you want to "stream" off your home computer? EvDO streaming is only available up to 48k AAC - a reasonable amount. Once you're home and on wifi? No longer limited. Songs from the server aren't streamed at all, they're downloaded.

Like I said, good points, but I doubt that they're insurmountable. Plus, if you're only allowing song data (rather than internet traffic, at the base subscription level) then you have a lot less to deal with, and a possible up-sell.

[ron @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:23PM]

how come every post on apple ends with a 'maybe'..are you guys so insecure?

[Taylor @ Jan 23rd 2008 2:25AM]

It's to counter the claims of Apple bias ;)