News

WiFi-, Bluetooth-Enabled iPods on the Horizon?

Wednesday, February 8th, 2006 at 4:25 PM - by Staff

PortalPlayer, which makes the audio processor in the iPod, will soon add WiFi and Bluetooth capability, thanks to a collaboration with UK firm Cambridge Silicon Radio. Tony Smith reported the news for Reg Hardware, noting that the new audio chip family, dubbed PP5-22, will be demonstrated at the 3GSM trade show next week in Barcelona.

Mr. Smith wrote: "The company's pitch is that the integration will allow PortalPlayer-based gadgets to use Bluetooth stereo headsets and reach out to computers' music archives via the wireless networking technology, and to connect directly to music download services through Wi-Fi hotspots."

He also noted that Apple is rumored to be readying a music-related press event the week after the 3GSM. Supposedly the invitation's image shows an AirPort Express power light, which some think means the announcement will concern some form of wireless music. However, Mr. Smith pointed out that PortalPlayer's new chipset won't be available until the second half of 2006.

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Small White Car said:

member since 02 Jul 2004 with 1960 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:05 pm

I'm sure bluetooth headsets are nice, but I can already see how most people will use Bluetooth:

An iPod, plugged into a wall outlet to charge, 2 feet away from a Mac, wirelessly copying music.

It reminds me of the joke about tying a string to a remote phone so you can't lose it. Yes, I know this technology has cool uses, but you've got to admit that 90% of iPod users will just do what I've described above.

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A guest said: (hide)

Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:34 pm

I have a feeling that a replacement of the Airport Express that can handle video as well is in the wings.

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rezonate said:

member since 04 Feb 2005 with 704 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Wed Feb 08, 2006 7:49 pm

While we're wishing, I want "iChat with TABs!"

Also a bluetooth mighty mouse. Is it too much to ask?

Ditto on wanting AirVideo Express: this is why I don't have one yet.

And I still think that when they get rid of the harddrives for flash, they should go with magnetic induction for charging. Then the devices themselves will be truly wireless.

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A guest said: (hide)

Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:23 pm

wasnt that invitation found to be a fake?

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A guest said: (hide)

Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:17 pm

Small White Car wrote:
I'm sure bluetooth headsets are nice, but I can already see how most people will use Bluetooth:

An iPod, plugged into a wall outlet to charge, 2 feet away from a Mac, wirelessly copying music.

It reminds me of the joke about tying a string to a remote phone so you can't lose it. Yes, I know this technology has cool uses, but you've got to admit that 90% of iPod users will just do what I've described above.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Sync music over 3Mbps? You're crazy.

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Small White Car said:

member since 02 Jul 2004 with 1960 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:11 am

Guest wrote:
Small White Car wrote:

An iPod, plugged into a wall outlet to charge, 2 feet away from a Mac, wirelessly copying music.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Sync music over 3Mbps? You're crazy.

Hey, I didn't say it was a good idea. But if Apple caves in to the people who want Bluetooth what's to say they won't gave into the teeming masses who don't understand this is a bad idea?

Honestly, though, I don't think it will happen. Just like FM radio. The iPod is about simplicity and Bluetooth and FM add complexity while only making the iPod sort-of more useful to some users. They won't make the iPod more complex unless it's a VERY useful feature to a LOT of users.

No matter what you use it for, bluetooth doesn't fit that description.

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A guest said: (hide)

Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:41 am

Doesn't bluetooth run even slower than 3mbps? More like 256kbps in my experience!

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