News
Apple patent aims to use Wi-Fi iPod as remote
An Apple patent application from December of 2005, recently discovered online, describes a way to use Wi-Fi-enabled multimedia devices, such as the iPod, as a wireless remote control. In a section of the application titled “Summary of the Invention,” it states, “A portable multimedia player (such as the iPod.TM. manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) is used to wirelessly access and control a media server (such as a personal computer running iTunes software) that is streaming digital media by way of a wireless interface to a media unit (such as a stereo/speakers in the case of streaming digital audio).” The patent also goes on to specifically name Apple’s Airport Express as a wireless interface, but makes no mention of the then-unannounced Apple TV, which in many ways circumvents the system described in this patent.
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1
Sounds awesome
Posted by Manuel Grabowski on July 19, 2007 at 12:15 PM (PDT)
2
Remember the iPod 2010 Concept contest more than a year ago?
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/gallery/image_med/9444/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/gallery/image_med/9443/
I submitted these pics - (along with one more) which basically drew out the whole “wireless remote/media server” patent thing.
Oh, and I posted it way before “(Apple)TV” came out so it looks like either Apple borrowed the idea of using the Apple logo in the name from my drawing or…I could probably get a job on the Apple Marketing team.
A hundred bucks says that Apple will call their “new wireless media server” AppleHome. Make it a thousand.
Posted by GEK on July 19, 2007 at 9:08 PM (PDT)
3
Actually, I see a whole different thing going on here. I believe it to be a new connection for a car. Instead of hard mounting your iPod into the car you’ll just use WiFi for your songs. Apple has another market to corner. Taking over the world one iPod at a time.
Since we’re on the subject of possibilities, I believe Apple didn’t include a simple GPS feature into the iPhone simply because the next generation iPod might have it in it. Why put all your eggs in one basket? Maybe Mac will have a new application “iMap”?
Posted by JT on July 20, 2007 at 8:37 AM (PDT)