Support Our Site
Get Better Gear!
- Theodolite App for iOS is Breathtaking from Hunter Research and Technology, US$3.99 (Pro and HD versions)
- Akron’s TAB802 Table Mount For iPad Is Sturdy from Akron, US$99.95
- Dinosaurs Roar to Life on the iPad with Stephen Fry from M58959 Studios, US$14.95
- Poldera’s iKeep Holds Your iPhone Close from Poldera LLC, US$19.99
- Mediadevil’s Easyscreen Screen iPad Protector Is Unusual from Mediadevil, £16.97 (US$22.09)
Premier Sponsors
Top 5 Free Apps
iTunes New Music Releases
Top 5 Paid Apps
Discover New Music
- Poe
Dropping like a bomb on some of the blah musical offerings of her contemporaries, Haunted was one of the best albums of 2000, obliterating the competition.
Ostensibly a tie-in to her brot
- U2
- This record is perhaps U2's finest hour, yet it has been forgotten as a strange by-product of the ZooTV tour's overload, and is generally regarded by most fans as a poor effort. It is this sentiment t
- The Church
Another of my all-time favorites, Priest = Aura is one of those rare albums where every song is simply fantastic, and a testament to how good pop-rock can be.
Each song immediatel
Bowie at Beeb: Best of BBC Radio 68-72
- David Bowie
The companion CD to a BBC television concert, BBC Radio Theatre has some of the best renditions of many of Bowie's best songs throughout his career. "I'm Afraid of Americans" is substantial
- Jellyfish
- The second and final album from this power-pop group makes me wish Jellyfish had been able to make just one more record together. The album is best enjoyed as a whole piece, flowing from one track to
Reader Specials
Visit Deals On The Web for the best deals on all consumer electronics, iPods, and more!
News
Apple Patent Blends External Sounds into Headphones
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 at 4:00 PM - by John Martellaro
Apple has applied for a patent in which a mechanism is proposed that would allow external sound, for example traffic noise that would otherwise be blocked by headphones, to pass through to the listener.
The patent application says, in part, "This external sound can be presented to users via the same interface, channel, or audio-output device used to present audio-media. External sound can be blended ... with audible media and/or it may be presented as it occurs (live) and/or stored so that it can be subsequently presented as recorded. External sound can be stored independent of the media presentation in accordance with, for example, various events, user input, or any other programmable criteria."
Various methods of manipulating and controlling this external sound source are described. For example, the external sound could be recorded and replayed.
The motivation may be hinted at in this part of the patent description: "As a result, users of the audio devices can conveniently switch between external sound and audible media ... without having to take headphones off."
Some states in the U.S. prohibit driving while wearing dual headphones. This patent could lead the way to a technical solution in which drivers can become aware of external sounds and, eventually, via revised legislation, become exempt from removing their headphones/earbuds while driving.
Recent Headlines
- OnLive Desktop: Windows & Office on Your iPad
- Battle Pocket Bulge With The Hint for iPhone
- Theodolite App for iOS is Breathtaking
- Forum Poll: Are You Planning on Buying a New iPad?
- Apple Highlights Siri in Two New iPhone 4S Ads
- Canaccord: Apple Claims 80% of Q4 Mobile Handset Profits
- Apple Planning March iPad 3 Announcement
Post Your Comments