Some recently uncovered patent filings by Apple Computer may offer clues to plans for upcoming iPod models, including wireless features and direct to the iTunes Music Store. According to The Register, one patent, which was originally filed in December 2004, describes a handheld system that lets users connect wirelessly to an online music download store, presumably the iTunes Music Store, and tag songs or video files for later download to their computer.

That same patent also covers a procedure that lets users purchase ringtones and graphics that relate to the items they marked for download. If you look at this patent as part of an Apple cell phone, or iPhone, this would be an easy way to find songs that you want to purchase, and download associated images to use as phone display backgrounds and ringtones at the same time.

The second patent, filed in November 2004, describes a system where you navigate the menus in handheld devices like MP3 players, mobile phones and personal digital assistants through spoken commands. It would also speak the names of highlighted menu items, multimedia play functions, and user created text strings to give you verbal feedback. In essence, you could tell your iPod to play your favorite song simple by asking it to.

Although a patent doesn't guarantee that a product will ship with the features it covers, these patents seem very compelling, especially now that airlines are interested in selling iTunes content in flight. These features are also likely to please investors - some of whom are concerned that Apple can't keep its iPod momentum moving forward.