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Apple's patent application
The invention, described as a "
Several gadget blogs have speculated that Apple will build the technology into future versions of the iPod,
"The end result will be that your stored iTunes on your iPod will not only play on these in-vehicle stereos, but also present corresponding data such as the artist's name, iTune(s) title and so forth on the RDS stereo's mini display," a blogger at
That blogger also noted that the technology may fit into Apple's plans to integrate iPods more seamlessly into cars. The company forged
Linking iPod with the radio seems to be a recent theme at Apple. At its annual
But one blogger worried that the technology described in the patent application would be plagued by performance problems that have affected some iTrips and other third-party FM transmitters.
"My remaining concern is similar to the issues found in the iTrips (FM Modulators)," a blogger at
Representatives from both Apple and Griffin Technologies declined to comment on the patent application.
According to the application, the proposed patent covers several kinds of audio formats and portable music players, including cell phones and portable digital assistants. But Apple clearly has the iPod in mind.
"It should be noted that the multimedia player can take the form (of) the iPod player coupled with an FM transmitter adapter to wirelessly transmit media data (i.e., songs, music, etc.) and its related information (e.g., song title, title artist, etc.)" the patent application states.
See more CNET content tagged:
iTrip,
FM-radio,
blogger,
Apple iPod,
FM transmitter
Apple may be doing this to limit others from doing the same - lawsuits are very expensive - but patentable ??
I'm not a lawyer... but I play one in a low traffic forum.
However, tapping RDS functionality would be slightly cooler to have the info on my radio... hrmm - lets play wait and see.
with the $49 external FM radio module. I know, they want to push
their podcasting downloads on iTunes music store, but in built FM
radio is much cooler. Besides, many companies already have
enough FM transmitter accessories.