Changes to affect the docks, connectors and the process of synching to a computer

May 30, 2008 21:11 GMT  ·  By

A recent patent filed by Apple suggests that iPod owners, as well as iPhone users, will be able to access wireless capabilities not yet supported. Currently not available with the iPod, bluetooth, radio signals, infrared or UWB are likely to be incorporated for player-to-player transmission, or FM radio tuning, Macnn is reporting.

The report suggests that this particular Apple patent is a a "broadly comprehensive one, simply listed as Media Player System" which would cover "virtually all aspects of normal iPod and iPhone use." The changes would not only affect the controls and displays on the iPod and iPhone, but the "docks, connectors and the process of synching to a computer," Macnn notes.

Interesting enough is that Apple's iPod currently doesn't support player-to-player file transfer (without additional hardware or software). Users must sync their iPods to their iTunes libraries on their computers instead. However, new ways for iPod owners to "squirt" files between iPods have recently been made available. Using a device called miShare, users can connect two iPods and share files between them, eliminating the need to connect their devices to a computer, as well as the hassle of using cables.

However, we're not here to talk about ways to break the system, but to talk about Apple's latest patent which actually involves an antenna... at least in the patent imagery. The same source reveals that "under Apple's scheme handhelds could not only be equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi," but newer wireless standards such as RF, FM radio, infrared, UWB or magnetic induction. Media could potentially be shared between devices, the patent says.

If it's any indication that Apple is likely to materialize this patent soon, the company has recently announced an opening for an RF System Engineer. According to the specifications, this person will be responsible with leading a group of dedicated researchers of cutting-edge wireless standards such as Mobile TV, UWB, Bluetooth and WiMAX. These technologies are to be implemented in (future or existing) Apple devices, the company states.