WirelessIpod
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DigiTimes mongers-up new iPods with touchscreen and WiFi for Wednesday
As if you need another source "confirming" the launch of new iPods at Apple's September 5th event, along comes DigiTimes riding their wave of Taiwanese component manufacturing insiders. According to the folks who brought us the Powerbook G5, Apple is due to drop a new Inventec Appliances manufactured, flash-based widescreen "iPod video" with touch-interface (widely rumored to carry the iPod Touch brand) sporting WiFi and an iPhone-like UI when it ships "at the end of this month or early October." Also in the cards is a Foxconn manufactured iPod nano with more storage and iPhone-like UI at the same prices as existing models and higher capacity iPod shuffles from Asustek. So yeah, it falls in line with all the other rumors but that doesn't mean we're buying it.
Apple patent attack 2: iPod karaoke, iPod remote
It looks like Apple is on a roll with its latest round patent applications. Hot on the heels of the recently seen illuminated touchpad and Home on iPod filings, comes two new applications that should have only the fiercest of fanboys excited. First up is a technology which the Cupertino camp calls "Dynamic lyrics display for portable media devices," or as we would describe it -- karaoke on your iPod. Nothing really groundbreaking here: obviously lyrics would be displayed while you belted out your favorite Pat Benatar song, which is pretty unexciting and definitely unoriginal. Patent number two seems a bit more promising, as it addresses the possibility of using your iPod or other "portable media player" as a wireless remote for your PC or media center, thus allowing you easier access to your Best of the 80's collection. Of course, this would require a wireless iPod, which doesn't exist, although we understand those new iPhone things have some kind of wireless capability...[Via Unwired View]Read -- Dynamic lyrics display for portable media devicesRead -- Portable media player as a low power remote control and method thereof
Apple WiFi iPod due Q3 2007? Let's not bet the farm.
Perennial Apple rumor-ist DigiTimes has come out with a biggie today, predicting a non-iPhone, WiFi-connected iPod in Q3 this year. The rumor isn't preposterous, despite the fact that Apple would be hamstringing its own iPhone sales slightly by releasing what would no doubt be a cheaper and more roomy traditional iPod so soon after the iPhone's debut. Wireless sharing is the future, and Apple's probably going to have to squeeze it into its own players sooner or later. What gives us pause is DigiTimes' abysmal track record with Apple hardware rumors, and despite its best assurances of component manufacturers getting in on the action -- USI shipping the WiFi chipset in April, and Foxconn slapping the iPods together in Q3 -- we're going to remain doubtful on this one.[Via TG Daily]
Disney prepping content for streaming video iPod?
By now we're fairly certain that Apple and friends just do these patents for their own entertainment, to keep rumor mongers like us guessing and to publish uninteresting doodles to a mass audience, but they've got a new one for our dissection, and there's no use us quitting now. This time around it's nothing incredibly impressive, but a patent in regards to ESPN's mobile services has been unveiled, and it specifically makes mention of the iPod as a possible streaming delivery platform of sport scores and videos. Of course, this could just be ESPN covering all of its bases before the launch of its (ill-fated) Mobile ESPN, but with the incredible level of chumminess between Apple and Disney these days, we wouldn't put such a thing past 'em -- and if we can squeeze a WiFi iPod rumor out of the sitch, all the better.[Via AppleInsider]
Apple about to announce wireless video iPod?
When it comes to Apple's product roadmap, to say there's an enormous amount of buzz and milling of rumors is a ridiculous understatement. Believe it or not we tend to have to disregard the majority of rumors floating around (or that get sent in to us); that said, when not only one, but multiple trusted sources get in touch to let us know Steve Jobs & Co. are supposedly finally about completed with the wireless / video iPod, we have to take note. Supposedly they're preparing to announce the device in the very near future, which we've been told is both wireless and widescreen (both features we've been waiting for the iPod to take on, since, well, forever) -- you didn't think last month's new nano / new shuffle / iTV event was going to be it for the rest of the year, did you? We'll keep you posted.
Archos' WiFi-capable 604 slips by the FCC
So Archos is getting into the WiFi PMP game. With as much buzz as devices like the Zune and the eternally unconfirmed wireless iPod get, you'd think it's the absolute holy grail of the PMP. But in truth you need some spankin' good software to back up the 802.11, or you're just wasting a chip. From the looks of the documentation of the Archos 604 WiFi, they've at least got it half right. The new version, which we spotted last week, includes not only 802.11b/g connectivity, but replaces the 4.3-inch 480 x 272 screen with a touchscreen version. As reported, they've packed in an Archos-specific version of the Opera browser, making the device much more akin to Nokia's 770 tablet than the Zune. Along with tabbed browsing and other touchscreen-based perks, the new 604 has full-fledged Windows file sharing capabilities, and seemingly robust WiFi connection tools. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any snazzy WiFi-based sync, sharing or purchasing capabilities -- all main selling points of the Zune -- so the verdict is still out on how successful this could actually be. Still, we're definitely willing to give it a once over, and a harmless little cage-match-to-the-death between it and our 770 shouldn't go too far amiss. Keep reading for a few pics of the WiFi in action.
TEN releases naviPlay Bluetooth Stereo Headset for iPod and cell phones
Imagine this: you're wearing a set of bluetooth stereo headphones and listening to your iPod, enjoying the freedom of no wires dangling from your ears. A call comes in on your bluetooth-enabled cell phone. You hear the phone ring through the headphones, so you press one button on the headphones to both pause the music and answer the phone. You speak through a microphone embedded in the headphones. When the call's over you press the button again to go back to the music playing on your iPod.This is all possible now if you've got $200 to drop for a naviPlay Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headset Kit. The kit incorporates iPod controls (although it's not clear where), and clips for all current iPod models including the iPod nano and the 5G iPod. TEN Technology announced that the kit, which pairs its new bluetooth headset with the naviPlay Bluetooth Adaptor for iPod, will be available at the Apple Store. The naviPlay Headset also can be used with Bluetooth-enabled PCs supporting A2 DP profile for stereo audio or headset profile for VoIP calling.[via Engadget]
