More Than One Way To Cut An iPod's Wires

A recently surfaced Apple patent sheds more light on Apple’s intentions for a wireless iPod. It looks like Apple is prepared to offer wireless capabilities without having to necessarily add them to the iPod itself.

The Apple patent details a synchronization system between computers and portable digital media players which have either built-in wireless technology or are attached to a docking station that includes such capabilities. This system is very similar to the one already used in the iTunes software that currently handles the syncing process, except that it would first check for the presence of a device on a wireless network before looking for a wired connection.

The wireless dock is one way to go about it, but, if the recent Nike + iPod Sport Kit is an indication, such capabilities can also be added through clip on hardware expansion modules to existing iPods.

With Microsoft trumpeting its Zune player left and right, it makes sense that Apple is covering this angle as well as potential others, to make sure that it can stay abreast of the competition. Interestingly enough, according to a recent DigiTimes report, Apple is preparing to launch a new iPod “that supports wireless capabilities” and “has begun dispatching its staff to its major markets in Asia, to teach local sales how to demonstrate the new products.”

As usual, Apple has made no official statement.