New iPod Peripherals?

[MacRumors]

Apple updated the iPod line in April, 2003 (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/04/20030428141644.shtml) with the introduction of the "3rd Generation" iPods at sizes of 10GB, 15GB and 30GB. The newest iPods sported a redesigned case as well as a new bottom connector, allowing the use of a Dock.

Reliable reports now indicate that Apple is poised to launch two new peripherals (not accessories) specifically for the 3rd Generation iPod owners. Unfortunately, details of the items are unavailable at this time.

[nagromme]

Please let one be a little dock that hooks to your stereo (and the usual cable for charging) and has a remote control... and let it ALSO be compatible with universal remotes!

[MovieGuy]

What is the difference between peripheral and accessory?

[hokka]

wow! I hope it gets released around Paris Show... will it? and what could they be? superdock? recording (mic)?

[solvs]

All I want is some kind of recording device. I don't need portable video or anything like that. If the iPod had audio-in, it would be perfect. A cheaper model would be nice though.

[sweetaction]

its a mike. it has to be.

apple has mentioned here and there that DJs are making ots of requests for things like pitch control.

i wager we'll see some more trick connectors, etc for specific uses for people like DJs and amatuer recording buffs.

apple offered CD burning of live PHISH shows I heard. How nuts would it be if half the crowd as recording their own experience?

fun fun

go apple

[iwantanewmac]

Oh please let it be a mic.
I have to carry a 30 gig ipod AND a sony MD rec device with mic I really want to to get rid of.

[sacrilicious]

I coaxed my dad into buying a 15gb just this evening. Let's see how things work out. Screw pitch control, though. An iPod is far too crazy to DJ on. Reports of DJs requesting pitch control seem ot be ************ to me--I am a DJ and regardless of how sexy the machine is, it is not made for performing.

Sorry fro typos, it is Saturday night.

[vollspacken]

Originally posted by sacrilicious
Screw pitch control, though. An iPod is far too crazy to DJ on. Reports of DJs requesting pitch control seem ot be ************ to me--I am a DJ and regardless of how sexy the machine is, it is not made for performing.

I dj with mp3s and I would never use an iPod (screen too small, small controls...)... Traktor from NI is the choice IMO, I couldn't do without Traktor's flexibility, the loop options, and the filter... plus you can run it on the low-end iBook so a nice setup is not very expensive...

vSpacken

[Dr Jerkyll]

I would immediately uppgrade to the new generation iPod if it was a device that allowed me to transfer and store pictures from my digicam

[tjwett]

Originally posted by Dr Jerkyll
I would immediately uppgrade to the new generation iPod if it was a device that allowed me to transfer and store pictures from my digicam

who said you can't transfer and store pics from your camera? it's a hard drive just like any other, just drop whatever you want in there, pics included. i use it to transfer data all the time. hell, i even i had the whole spiderman movie in there for while.

[visor]

A sound input device, aka microphone
and a text input device

have fun.

[Dr Jerkyll]

Originally posted by tjwett
who said you can't transfer and store pics from your camera? it's a hard drive just like any other, just drop whatever you want in there, pics included. i use it to transfer data all the time. hell, i even i had the whole spiderman movie in there for while.

Yea yea, you know what i mean... :)
Without having to place a mac in between the iPod and the cam of course. Great for travelling.

[HasanDaddy]

I'm with Visor --- mic and text

and I'll probably buy both of them!

[sparks9]

m
i
c.

[fixyourthinking]

I think a sleeve (still could be VERY small) that had a video screen and a 3/4 megapixel camera/video camera would be neat - but I agree it's most likely a component interface - something to activate the existing recording capability of the iPod or a mixing/DJ accessory.

[fixyourthinking]

Originally posted by Dr Jerkyll
I would immediately uppgrade to the new generation iPod if it was a device that allowed me to transfer and store pictures from my digicam

I have always thought that a firewire based 8 in 1 dock would be awesome - make it Mac/PC and iPod compatible and you've got an INSTANT best seller - that would be the fastest media transfer that was stylish and firewire!

CompactFlash/Microdrive/SmartMedia/SD/MMC/XD/MemoryStick

[biw314]

how about an am/fm tuner?

[dukemeiser]

Yeah, exactly what is the difference between a peripherals and accessories? Would a super dock count as a peripheral?

[applekid]

Why do we need a mic? I'm hoping for things that are cooler than a mic.

I wouldn't mind seeing a DJ kit. Maybe it comes with a turntable and pitch and other audio controls and you hook up your iPod to that? I don't know. I just want something cheap and reliable so I can do scratching without buying $600 turntables and vinyl. :D

What if it's something simple like an Apple iPod car dock to compete with the 3rd party one's?

I'll just be glad Apple will be creating peripherals.

[robmorton]

Originally posted by Dr Jerkyll
Yea yea, you know what i mean... :)
Without having to place a mac in between the iPod and the cam of course. Great for travelling.

I never even thought about that. The last couple of vacations I took my laptop with me exclusively to download photos from my camera. If I could leave my laptop home, I would really like that. Now, I am not sure the iPod could handle so many different cameras, but it is a cool idea.

[coyote]

Originally posted by sacrilicious
Screw pitch control, though. An iPod is far too crazy to DJ on. Reports of DJs requesting pitch control seem ot be ************ to me--I am a DJ and regardless of how sexy the machine is, it is not made for performing.

Yes, but what if the new peripheral is a DJ mixing console, which gives you control of two or three iPods, with fade, pitch control, etc?

Think big!

[applekid]

How about a wireless remote? I hate how the remote extends the headphones so much. Maybe a wireless headphone with that wireless remote? Does the remote port power small devices?

[richard5mith]

An accessory provides better functionality of an existing feature. The dock for instance makes syncing your ipod easier, but it's not required. The remote control on the headphones makes changing track easier, but again, isn't required to do it.

A peripheral adds whole new functionality, such as a microphone for recording. You can't record without it.

[holy MAC!]

Originally posted by biw314
how about an am/fm tuner?

so far, that, and the mic are the two most logical items available......

maybe they will offer a streamline remote with lcd with builtin fm tuner and also has a builtin mic as well........

[myrdred23]

What they need to release, is a bridge device that would connect an iPod to an iSight camera, thus creating a portable digital video camera w/ HD storage. That would be killer!

Both the iPod and the iSight are great values on their own, but imagine, w/ a not too expensive bridging device ($100 max?), you can also have a portable digital video camera!

[Rocketman]

Originally posted by nagromme
Please let one be a little dock that hooks to your stereo (and the usual cable for charging) and has a remote control... and let it ALSO be compatible with universal remotes!

On TechTV Fresh Gear I saw an accessory that adds FM tuner to iPod which adds about an inch to the device's height.

There was also a dongle for your auto cigarette lighter socket that powers, recharges, functions as an amplifier, audio port, and another feature or two. It connects to the dock port.

I suspect the rumoured accessories are either these third party devices themselves or perhaps Apple made variants.

Rocketman

[mactastic]

Maybe it is something that will help the home user create their own reality distortion field.:D

Seriously this could be anything. Without even a hint, these rumors will go crazy. Sure would be nice if it was the last piece of the puzzle that allowed me to send A/V signals to me stereo. Doubt it though.

[mistafro]

You know what's interesting? Giffrin's new iTrip for 3G iPod's has been delayed until first week of Sept because of something they are working on with Apple, hmmm....

I asked them if this will add a feature to the iTrip, they said no, but perhaps it's because Apple is releasing new software for these new devices for the iPod and Griffin want's to be compatible with it so the iTrip works.

Just a thought..

[9hundred]

The i-trip transmits wirelessly, therefore wireless headpones could be used to pick up the frequency.

[pwfletcher]

Bluetooth adapter and bluetooth headphones. This would also allow you to use the new apple bluetooth keyboard that is coming out soon, download from bluetooth cameras, etc.

[loneAzdgari]

The last few posts sound great, Mmmm, bluetooth headphones, but all the suggestions are too logical. FM tuner & Mic are too boring. I'm expecting something off the wall, Apple style. Like a remote control for your car (steering wheel already in place) or a jet pack for your iPod. ;)

Seriously though, I would love Bluetooth headphones, Line in port and an FM tuner. These three would make my iPod a perfect audio player. You wouldn't even need a stereo.

Also, a wireless dock that broadcasts your iPods music via Airport across your house which can then be played in separate rooms using only speakers (no hifi needed) would rock. That would seriously rock.

[job]

Originally posted by loneAzdgari
Mic [is] too boring.

I don't know about that. If they do release a mic, I know what I'll be taking with me to the Staind concert in a few weeks. :p

[loneAzdgari]

I was joking. Thats what I expect we'll get, but I can fantasize about driving my car from my iPod can't I?

[mainstreetmark]

Originally posted by 9hundred
The i-trip transmits wirelessly, therefore wireless headpones could be used to pick up the frequency.

AFAIK, the iTrip broadcasts in standard FM freqs (88-108MHz) and wireless headphones typically operate in some other frequency. If, by wireless heaadphones, you meant Sony Walkman, then, yes, you are correct. Otherwise, you'd need to iTrip to your stereo, then stereo to your headphone transmitter.

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by mainstreetmark
AFAIK, the iTrip broadcasts in standard FM freqs (88-108MHz) and wireless headphones typically operate in some other frequency. If, by wireless heaadphones, you meant Sony Walkman, then, yes, you are correct. Otherwise, you'd need to iTrip to your stereo, then stereo to your headphone transmitter.

Or you could just get one of those cheap ($15) headphones which have a FM tuner built-in and tune in to the channel you've set on the iTrip.



irmongoose

[9hundred]

Originally posted by mainstreetmark
AFAIK, the iTrip broadcasts in standard FM freqs (88-108MHz) and wireless headphones typically operate in some other frequency. If, by wireless heaadphones, you meant Sony Walkman, then, yes, you are correct. Otherwise, you'd need to iTrip to your stereo, then stereo to your headphone transmitter.

Do any headphones currently exist that can enable you to pick up the frequency from a decive like the iTrip?
Is bluetooth the solution?

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by 9hundred
Do any headphones currently exist that can enable you to pick up the frequency from a decive like the iTrip?
Is bluetooth the solution?

See my post above.



irmongoose

[mainstreetmark]

Originally posted by 9hundred
Do any headphones currently exist that can enable you to pick up the frequency from a decive like the iTrip?
Is bluetooth the solution?

I think you guys are all overthinking it! iTrip is just a low power FM radio station. Just get any ol' radio. It uses 100 year old technology!

(Ok, well, maybe FM hasn't been around that long, but radio broadcasting... )

[Nutzoids]

How about a Digital camara that clips onto the back of it and it uses that little port next to the headphone jack for power and the bottom port for saving Pictures....Think of the Belkin Battery pack...Or maybe something that will actually work in a car...Tired of using my old one for the car!!! Only problum with a remote for your iPod is that you can't see what it is your doing...So maybe a remote with a screen on it so you know what options your picking...The only reason I refuse to use my iPod with my home system...I have to keep getting up to change the song..or band!



;)

[DaveGee]

Originally posted by MovieGuy
What is the difference between peripheral and accessory?

About 100 bucks... :D

D

[themadchemist]

I bet that they'll offer a keyboard and a new version of the OS with more advanced system software...To make it more usable as a PDA.

Then the next iPods will have the touch screen and stylus.

We might also get a little add on to make the iPod be able to act like a digital camera.

Then again, Apple might want to wait to add this feature when it could be built in.

Conceivably, with the right drivers, you could hook up any sort of firewire device, right?

What if we had drivers for scanners and printers to hook up to the iPod. That would be awesome.

[benjaminpg]

It would be great if they released a device like the iTrip, but had its own receiver with outputs. It would be a digital signal, so it would be much better quality than the iTrip. Then the receiver, a little box, would pick up the digital signal and have an audio line out for a stereo.

The problem with making a remote is that you can't see the screen or use the controls. For that reason, I think that if they make a remote, the iPod will be a remote, versus making a remote for the iPod.

[ryaxnb]

One person here mentioned input devices... a keyboard or "inkpad" type thing would be cool... They could turn the iPod into a mini-PDA (maybe even run extra programs!)

[GrizzlyHippo]

MacWhispers - don't tell me they could actually be right about something - the iPod SuperDock they reported months ago...

LOL

Grizzly

[Thanatoast]

It won't be a camera. The screen's not there yet. They'll have to wait till 4G for that.

[evolu]

Thought I'd break it up:

*Portable user account - more a software mod, but it would take advantage of panther's multiple user feature.

Cell phone card - heard something about apple using cell phone networks for wireless connectivity.

Bluetooth - hook up to the new BT keyboard and mouse directly when within range... Or select numbers to dial directly from your iPod. "click" and your phone dials... Or hook up to a BT pen that you can write on any surface and inkwell translates directly into your 'pod.

[DeusOmnis]

If apple is releasing this stuff, it's going to be much bigger than just a mic, although that might be part of one of the things the release. The iPod is an excellent portable harddrive which also has high speed ports on it, which means that it would be great for some sort of video or image items.

[saint.duo]

THAT would be awesome, and definitely Apple's style.

Originally posted by loneAzdgari
Also, a wireless dock that broadcasts your iPods music via Airport across your house which can then be played in separate rooms using only speakers (no hifi needed) would rock. That would seriously rock.

[applekid]

A keyboard to work with the Notes feature would definitely be spiffy.

Think, something like that Sony Palm Pilot that has that long keyboard. How about one for the iPod and let it flip open? I think I can say good bye to my m100 because I only take notes and use it as an alarm clock! Maybe a full sized keyboard with speakers. Dock your iPod and type away and listen to music. Perfect replacement for laptops in college dorms. Just need to add a printer!

But peripherals in the computer world have always been connecting one device to another. Maybe we'll just see a wireless dock. :(

[shecky]

if i had to guess i would tend to agree that it is SOMETHING in some way wireless, either wifi or BT. wireless dock sounds reasonable (of course then how do you charge the iPod?)

[merges]

Originally posted by pwfletcher
Bluetooth adapter and bluetooth headphones. This would also allow you to use the new apple bluetooth keyboard that is coming out soon, download from bluetooth cameras, etc.

I've heard that there are some issues with using Bluetooth (even the audio spec) to deliver full-quality hi-fi 44.1 16-bit stereo audio. Something to do with limited bandwidth...

There are apparently solutions out there, but they may be using DACs in the headset somewhere, or fudging the quality in some other way.

[heuer007]

only a few people have mentioned it but i bluetooth remote would be NUTS!! and it would be even better if it had an lcd. also i like the idea of wifi and bluetooth on the ipod, its opens the door to so much more

[gregorypierce]

Originally posted by coyote
Yes, but what if the new peripheral is a DJ mixing console, which gives you control of two or three iPods, with fade, pitch control, etc?

Think big!

I think Apple would want to sell more than a thousand of any accessory/peripheral they sell :) The iPod needs to better interface with car stereos and needs to be controllable by remote/bluetooth. A mic would be excellent and goes in line with some of the recording features discovered previously. I would LOVE to be able to dictate into my iPod rather than have another device dedicated to the task.

[narrowfellow]

A little boombox to pop your iPod into.

[pinks]

Originally posted by benjaminpg
It would be great if they released a device like the iTrip, but had its own receiver with outputs. It would be a digital signal, so it would be much better quality than the iTrip. Then the receiver, a little box, would pick up the digital signal and have an audio line out for a stereo.

I wonder if this would solve the current issues (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3115345.stm) of using the iTrip in the UK, and elsewhere in Europe.

[sparks9]

Originally posted by applekid
Why do we need a mic? I'm hoping for things that are cooler than a mic.



I don't need a mic or said anyone needed it, but it has been waited that Apple would realese a mic sometime in the future after some people found out that the iPod IS capable of recording it's just not fully developed yet.

[evolu]

Originally posted by merges
I've heard that there are some issues with using Bluetooth (even the audio spec) to deliver full-quality hi-fi 44.1 16-bit stereo audio. Something to do with limited bandwidth...

Most likely the iPod will record and broadcast AAC.

[SiliconAddict]

Originally posted by evolu
Thought I'd break it up:

Cell phone card - heard something about apple using cell phone networks for wireless connectivity.



That's an idea. How about direct access to the itunes store via a WIFI/CDMA/GSM connection. No fancy graphics. Just text based. Browse and download on the go. The software for such a device could easily reside in the ROM of the addon. (Similar to how the phone sleeve for the Compaq iPaq worked.)

Crazy idea? Yep. Still would be kinda cool.

[dstorey]

Maybe it something along the lines of them Ericsson plug-ins you can get for their phones, wasn't there rumours a while ago that they were working with Ericsson as well? Maybe they could release a iPod version of the iSight for taking short movies o n the go but in a smaller form factor and attached to the dock port, or perhaps a caera modulr (just hopefully better than them cell phone snap on cams)...what else do they do for them phones? Ah yeah there is a txt pad for theying txt's, an iPod version would be cool for adding contacts, memo's, shedule data etc. I guess the mic would be the most logical, ideal for dictations and rough music recording...great for musicians on the go instead of a MD.

[TMay]

I buy an iSight.
I buy an iPod.
iSight connects to iPod via firewire.
Creates videocam.

So, what's the hack necessary to make this work?

BTW. One of the peripherals is, as many have suggested, a dock interface to stereo with remote (100% chance). The other is a real interface for car stereo (50%).

Personally, I'm waiting until the iPod has a flash port to offload photos from digital camera, with/without color screen, but, I'm not holding my breath.

[Lord Bodak]

My guess for one of them is some sort of audio/video recording. Hopefully something that would allow a small mic to be connected to do audio recording or an iSight to do audio & video.

For the second, I'd love to see a flash card connector-- to let us copy files to/from flash cards.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by richard5mith
A peripheral adds whole new functionality, such as a microphone for recording. You can't record without it.

Not to be pedantic, but technically you could talk into the earphones on the current iPod to record, if you use the right hack.

Originally posted by themadchemist
I bet that they'll offer a keyboard and a new version of the OS with more advanced system software...To make it more usable as a PDA.

Apple doesn't wanna make a PDA.

[voicegy]

The most exciting things I've read here are:

Wireless device for remote control.
Hook up capability to home stereo.
Boom-Box extension.

I don't personally care about extending the functionality beyond what the iPod is basically about (PDA, picture viewer, Mic for recording audio, telephone gizmo) - it just doesn't seem Apples' "style" to make something multi-purpose beyond what its original purpose is.

But, then again, they DID call in an i"POD", not i"MUSIC"...so, who knows?:D

[BillyShears]

iTrip-style device & mic.

The Griffin iTrip was delayed, rumors about Apple's involvement were made.

The iPod had a 5 second recording feature in the 2.0 software debug... removed in 2.0.1

[MorganX]

My bet is a dock with wireless remote control, optical output, and recording/mic.

Second device would be something to allow the use of ITMS sans desktop.

[evolu]

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
That's an idea. How about direct access to the itunes store via a WIFI/CDMA/GSM connection. No fancy graphics. Just text based. Browse and download on the go. The software for such a device could easily reside in the ROM of the addon. (Similar to how the phone sleeve for the Compaq iPaq worked.)

Crazy idea? Yep. Still would be kinda cool.

Good one.

[SeaFox]

Originally posted by Macrumors
Reliable reports now indicate that Apple is poised to launch two new peripherals (not accessories) specifically for the 3rd Generation iPod owners.

Poised like they are to launch the new Powerbooks? :rolleyes:

[Thanatoast]

You know, just because apple doesn't want to produce a pda doesn't mean they won't add that functionality to the ipod. Nokia and Qualcomm aren't pda companies but it hasn't kept them from adding calendars, contacts and voice recording from their phones. With a minor software upgrade and a keyboard an ipod could do 90% of what a palm does. And it wouldn't be a pda, it would be an ipod that just happens to do most of what a pda does. :)

[loneAzdgari]

Originally posted by shecky
if i had to guess i would tend to agree that it is SOMETHING in some way wireless, either wifi or BT. wireless dock sounds reasonable (of course then how do you charge the iPod?)

Maybe not a wireless dock, just a dock with airport capability. Then you just attach some "modules" to your speakers; via phono. The modules receive the music from the airport base. You can then configure each "module" and therefore room to have different music playing. If not this, I definitely think there will be some Airport capability added to the iPod.

Even MORE pleased at getting my 15GB 3G model now.

[plastree]

All I want is the ability to record. I don't want some cheesy mic, either. I'd like to have a stereo 1/8" mic input, so I can use my nice Sony field recording mic. A phantom powered XLR input is a long shot, but that would be sweet, too!

I wonder if the iPod has the cpu power to record a track or two of 24 bit uncompressed audio? Please... please....

[tjwett]

Originally posted by Dr Jerkyll
Yea yea, you know what i mean... :)
Without having to place a mac in between the iPod and the cam of course. Great for travelling.

oh i get it now. ok, sorry for the confusion. i gotta admit, that would be pretty great.

[NOantarctica]

I believe that the one of the new "peripherals" that apple plans to launch is a microphone. No word if this is 3rd party or if those marketing geniuses at Apple have created an iMic.

[Thom_Edwards]

my vote on what i would like to see...

some kind of media reader. that's the first thing i thought of. camera memory card full? dump it into your ipod. great on a road trip or vacation where you've already got your ipod and camera. who wants to lug around (even a 12") laptop?

as far as the other ideas already mentioned go, i think the car and headphone stuff are pretty right on. the dj stuff sounds cool, but maybe a bit too gadgety to me. and the boombox stuff sounds killer, especially if i was back in high school going on tennis trips!:D

[vanillamike]

http://www.plug4.com/images/blasta.jpg

Nope it will be a giant ghetto blaster like in the 80's. The iPod will be the brain of the device. Everyone will again wear leisure suits and brake dance.

Mike

---ok maybe not this big :p but you get the picture.

[WM.]

Originally posted by merges
I've heard that there are some issues with using Bluetooth (even the audio spec) to deliver full-quality hi-fi 44.1 16-bit stereo audio. Something to do with limited bandwidth...
Well, let's do the math here: 16 x 44,100 x 2 = 1.4112 Mbps. I believe Bluetooth is 1 Mbps, if you're really lucky. So yes, I'd call that an "issue". :)
There are apparently solutions out there, but they may be using DACs in the headset somewhere, or fudging the quality in some other way.
Well, in order to get from that 16/44.1 to something that can be put through a transducer, you do need a DAC (or an amp topology that incorporates one). If you need to compress the audio for it to make it over Bluetooth (and AFAIK there are lossless codecs that could do just that), you need something a little more complex.

HTH
WM

[WM.]

Originally posted by evolu
Most likely the iPod will record and broadcast AAC.
Not between itself and a Bluetooth headset, unless the headset could decode AAC--which sounds relatively complicated and expensive to me.

WM

[tizza]

Originally posted by SeaFox
Poised like they are to launch the new Powerbooks? :rolleyes:
I was waiting for this comment ... ;)

[bennetsaysargh]

i think it will be an inovative product called the iSomething.
it'll be a am/fm radio and a mic.
it will connect to the bottom of the iPod and fit slightly onto the bottom of the iPod.

[SiliconAddict]

Originally posted by WM.
Well, let's do the math here: 16 x 44,100 x 2 = 1.4112 Mbps. I believe Bluetooth is 1 Mbps, if you're really lucky. So yes, I'd call that an "issue". :)

Its worse then you think:

The asynchronous channel can support maximal
723.2 kb/s asymmetric (and still up to 57.6 kb/s in the return direction), or
433.9 kb/s symmetric.

That being a direct quote from the BT specs.

[merges]

Originally posted by evolu
Most likely the iPod will record and broadcast AAC.

So the phones would need a decoder in them and would probably hjavea nasty battery pack or something... doesn;t mnake a lot of sense to me, but maybe I', missing something.

I also think that WiFi isnt' too likely; I can't think of really compelling uses.

[bennetsaysargh]

wifi is also a possiblility. more and more devices are starting to have wifi. even some digital camer in japan has built in wifi. if they could make something that utilizes 802.11b (all the old airport cards) they could use it to stream over a network and listen to internet radio stations.

[tizza]

OK here's my dream Mac Expo Paris:

1. iTunes for Windows
2. New iPOd peripherals
3. Panther release

and ....








wait for it ...








4. new Powerbooks
(like you couldn't see that coming) ;)

[robodweeb]

Bluetooth. Bluetooth. Bluetooth.

Bluetooth headphones would be nice (assuming Apple can overcome the bandwidth limitations) ... but Bluetooth microphones would be NICER .

I currently use an Olympus DM-1 digital audio recorder to record meetings, presentations, classes, research interviews, etc. (yes, I get permissions). Bluetooth is quite sufficient for this business and academic need. And, given that CD quality can't be reached easily, it wouldn't make folks nervous about hordes of iPod owners recording their concerts, etc. instead of buying them via iTMS.

A bluetooth microphone could be innocuous and stylish and, most importantly, could eliminate cabling clutter. Just record on-the-go and, when you go home, pop it into your Dock where it's iSync'd into a user-specified iTunes playlist with date/time-stamps).

And, you know, once you have Bluetooth on-board, you could add a Bluetooth pen (like OTM Technologies' Vpen (http://www.otmtech.com/vpen.asp)). Just write as if with a normal pen (without needing expensive, special paper like Logitech's pen) and have everything you write and draw saved to your iPod (which is in your pocket, backpack, or briefcase).

When you get home, pop your iPod into your Dock to re-charge and it automatically iSyncs your VPen files to your G3/4/5 computer, where Graffiti converts written content to text, and all is saved in a PDF file (and, ideally, the folder storing these files would be automatically indexed so that you could easily search for the content within them.

No need to re-type the notes you now jot down onto napkins or scraps of paper.

No need for a PDA to keep track of things, with an expensive pressure-sensitive LCD display. You can keep your iPod in your pocket and write merrily away and let Apple technology make your life easier.

The technology is available (more or less) and the component costs are low. So, why not?

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by narrowfellow
A little boombox to pop your iPod into.

Kinda like

http://www.drbott.com/images/lg/5010-PUR1.jpg (http://www.drbott.com/prod/db.lasso?Code=5010-PUR1) ?




irmongoose

[bennetsaysargh]

i should port that purse to a backpack:eek:
;) :) :D

[dukemeiser]

Ok, going by the theory that a peripherals add new functionality, then it could be a Super Dock. One that adds video out (and audio out) ports. Then, it could be hooked up to a TV for easy viewing of slideshows/photographs.

The other peripheral would probably be a mic. I also considered an input device for altering, or making new text notes. There are about 20 some (26?) pins located on the 3G iPod's dock connector. 6 for firewire, 2 for audio out (at least). So what are the other 18 for? Remote controls might cover another 6. See what I'm getting at? There are a lot of pins that don't have a function yet....until Apple releases something that exploits those functions...

[hobbes3113]

Originally posted by SeaFox
Poised like they are to launch the new Powerbooks? :rolleyes:

Maybe the new peripheral IS the new Powerbook!!!:D

[aasmund]

Originally posted by richard5mith
An accessory provides better functionality of an existing feature. The dock for instance makes syncing your ipod easier, but it's not required. The remote control on the headphones makes changing track easier, but again, isn't required to do it.

A peripheral adds whole new functionality, such as a microphone for recording. You can't record without it.

This is wrong. An accessory is something that goes with it, like a carrying bag or such like, a peripheral in the computer world, is something that connects to a host. e.g. mic, camera etc. usually an accessory only works with a specific product while peripherals will work with groups of products.

[abevcole]

Sorry that Apple doesn't support it's products with better warranties. It seems that they know it has a short life. I don't know if I"ll buy another. Very sad tonight.

[tizza]

Originally posted by abevcole
Sorry that Apple doesn't support it's products with better warranties. It seems that they know it has a short life. I don't know if I"ll buy another. Very sad tonight.
How did it die??

[abevcole]

Originally posted by tizza
How did it die??

I called APPLE about 2 months ago, regarding slow dials, which is a misnomer, due to the old model, really has no dials, but anyway, unresponsive keys so to speak. I got it to finally work, myself. after several attempts. Last week, noticed that IPOD was locked on one playlist singer, but would not play, just skipped all the music, appearing to play a little, then skip to another song on the playlist, now it does nothing, and gives me the empty folder and now the sad face, which is death knell.

[Rob Nance]

Originally posted by WM.
Well, let's do the math here: 16 x 44,100 x 2 = 1.4112 Mbps. I believe Bluetooth is 1 Mbps, if you're really lucky. So yes, I'd call that an "issue". :)

Well, in order to get from that 16/44.1 to something that can be put through a transducer, you do need a DAC (or an amp topology that incorporates one). If you need to compress the audio for it to make it over Bluetooth (and AFAIK there are lossless codecs that could do just that), you need something a little more complex.

HTH
WM

You all are forgetting the obvious. It doesn't need to stream the raw audio, just the MP3/AAC. It would allow wireless data transfer and streaming of music files to be played by an iTunes equipped computer. This could open up wireless file sharing and all kinds of concepts like wireless gaming with other iPod owners, etc. No doubt if this is something they are working on, some way to control the piracy aspect of such a system has been a major stepping stone. I've talked about the potential of this in the past with friends, and it seems a likely path for the iPod. This would hopefully also open up a market that somebody needs to address, which would be car and home stereos with bluetooth or 802.11b built in. If the iPod could get it's music to a car stereo with little to no quality loss, one could expect sales to double easily.

[WM.]

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
The asynchronous channel can support maximal
723.2 kb/s asymmetric (and still up to 57.6 kb/s in the return direction), or
433.9 kb/s symmetric.
Ouch. That's almost exactly half what you need. I guess we'd be stuck at 16/22.05 or something...but that would mean basically no information above 10 KHz...which would suck. :-/

WM

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by Rob Nance
You all are forgetting the obvious. It doesn't need to stream the raw audio, just the MP3/AAC. It would allow wireless data transfer and streaming of music files to be played by an iTunes equipped computer.

OK. That would be useless for headphones, though, because then your headphones would have to be able to decode MP3's, and that's what an iPod is for.

[WM.]

Originally posted by Rob Nance
You all are forgetting the obvious. It doesn't need to stream the raw audio, just the MP3/AAC. It would allow wireless data transfer and streaming of music files to be played by an iTunes equipped computer.
We're talking about streaming to Bluetooth headphones, not a Mac. IMHO headphones are much less likely to be able to decode AAC or MP3 than a Mac is. To be honest, I know hardly anything about any Bluetooth devices aside from Macs and cell phones, so I don't know how existing headphones (if any exist) deal with the bandwidth problem. Even so, I think I can make the determination that stereo Bluetooth headphones have to do one of three things:

1) Use some kind of lossless compression to transmit full-fidelity audio. This would entail more complexity and cost and presumably less battery life for the headphones. Depending on the codec, you might be running pretty close to the maximum bandwidth of the spec (which is bad). But I don't know how much (good) lossless codecs can compress--if they can do 3:1 or more, I imagine you'd be sitting pretty.

2) Use a 22.050 KHz sampling rate for transmission. This is not good for fidelity but wouldn't entail too much complexity (you need a DAC, but no decoding). But you'd be running really close to the bandwidth limit, most likely quite a bit closer than option #1.

3) Use lossy compression to transmit near-full-fidelity audio. This would mean way less bandwidth (which presumably means better reliability) but obviously would upset the purists and would entail at least as much complexity, cost, and reduced battery life as option #1.

WM

P.S. Blast, I see that Phil of Mac beat me to the punch. :)

edit: Aack, I didn't realize, he's a Coug!!! I rescind my acknowledgment of his being first! I was first! I was first! Mike Price! Mike Price! Pullman sucks! GOOOOOOOOO HUUUSSSSKKKKIIIIIEEEESSSSS!!!!

;)

(For you non-Washingtonians...never mind. For Phil: my aunt, uncle, and two of my cousins all went to/are going to Wazzu, so unfortunately I at least partially bleed Wazzu red [or Cougar Gold ;) ]. And really, I shouldn't make fun of Price, what with this Neuheisel thing...ugh...)

[Foocha]

I suspect a car kit with a cradle to pug your iPod into. This gets around the European problems with the FM solution.

The one thing about my iPod that isn't perfect is that I still have to use CDs in my car.

The Apple / Volkwagen promotion maybe points the way.

[gadg]

Originally posted by Nutzoids
How about a Digital camara that clips onto the back of it and it uses that little port next to the headphone jack for power and the bottom port for saving Pictures....Think of the Belkin Battery pack...Or maybe something that will actually work in a car...Tired of using my old one for the car!!! Only problum with a remote for your iPod is that you can't see what it is your doing...So maybe a remote with a screen on it so you know what options your picking...The only reason I refuse to use my iPod with my home system...I have to keep getting up to change the song..or band!


That is so my dream ... I've been looking for an mp3 home solution for a while now and the only thing worth using is a very expensive system which I think is meant for bar-use.

An iPod with an rc and a connection to a tv like the mp3 decoder on my dvd player (or indeed, a screen on the remote) would be perfect. I would immediately run out and get an iPod if this were released!

[utkucan]

Originally posted by bennetsaysargh
i should port that purse to a backpack:eek:
;) :) :D



www.savier.com studio backpack

[bertagert]

Originally posted by Foocha
The one thing about my iPod that isn't perfect is that I still have to use CDs in my car.

Ummm...How do you figure? I put all the songs from all my cd's onto the ipod. I haven't use a cd player, car or home, in 6 months.

[sigamy]

I'm a bit confused as to why so many people can't use their iPod in their car.

I guess I had it too easy with my VW--it was prewired for a CD Changer. I picked up an auxiliary input converter and a 10 ft. cable and now I have near CD quality from my iPod directly into my factory car stereo. Haven't used the in-dash CD player since.

Even if you have to pay for installation this solution beats cassette adapters and FM modulators hands down. Definetly worth the extra cash.

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxinpconv.html

ps--I am not associated with these guys in any way, just a happy customer.

[Sven Fuzz]

I hope it's gonna be like a apple FM transmitter, you can plug this thing into the iPod (as an extension). On the ipod you can choose the fm wave you'll be transmitting on (like for example 89fm) When you tune any radio in the house or at aprox. 25 metres around your ipod, to this prechosen frequency, you get to hear the stuff your ipod is playing. Plus some additions to this extension, like a mic. Simmilar to griffin techs itrip but with extras.

[MacKenzie999]

Originally posted by bertagert
Ummm...How do you figure? I put all the songs from all my cd's onto the ipod. I haven't use a cd player, car or home, in 6 months.

I agree...I've tried a few of the iPod fm peripherals, and while none are great I still recommend Transpod as it charges too and has no cable clutter. You get some weird howling noises between songs and during some quieter passages, but I tend to listen to harder stuff in a convertible, so my mileage on this has been rather good.

Still, as an owner of the original 10gb, I'm a little worried Apple is going to come up with something so cool I'm forced to buy another iPod (which I cannot easily afford at the moment). I've spent some time with a 3rd gen and aside from the capacity, I like the feel of my throwback iPod much better.

$.02
-Mike

[James.Paul]

Could one be a phone module? Dare I say the iPhone. The iPaq has modules that allow the PDA to be used as a mobile phone so I would have thought the iPod could. I carry my T610 and iPod around. Would be nice to just carry one device around (iPod!).

[zach]

can anyone say: bluetooth headphones? :D

I think we will see bluetooth headphones :) and hopefully, a wireless remote w/ lcd. this would allow you to not touch your iPod except for charging, syncing, and etc.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by WM.
(For you non-Washingtonians...never mind. For Phil: my aunt, uncle, and two of my cousins all went to/are going to Wazzu, so unfortunately I at least partially bleed Wazzu red [or Cougar Gold ;) ]. And really, I shouldn't make fun of Price, what with this Neuheisel thing...ugh...)

All in good fun, anyway.

Besides, between Price and Neuheisel, sure, both of them were fired, but at least one of them had a good time beforehand :)

Originally posted by bertagert
Ummm...How do you figure? I put all the songs from all my cd's onto the ipod. I haven't use a cd player, car or home, in 6 months.

Most people like to take advantage of their car speakers. (Yes, there's iTrip...)

[cgmpowers]

Originally posted by narrowfellow
A little boombox to pop your iPod into.

Oh yeah I'd buy one in a minute. I have XM radio and would have killed for the boombox combo when I first got it but that was a year ago & it wasn't out yet.

I'd also like to see a car stereo that you can insert an ipod into. I don't use the frequency products like iTrip because of the XM radio & the tape deck can be a pain in the but with wires everywhere.. A radio that freed up an auto outlet and the tape deck wires..whoya..

[cgmpowers]

This is the third iPod I've owned and I've actually had far more problems/complaints with the new "touch pads" instead of dials.

The buttons and dial are slow and unresponsive..and got forbid your hands be the least bit wet (sweat, or from soda cans, or rain, etc)...then your SOL.

I really don't like the touch buttons...if I could live with 20 GB..I'd use the old iPod over the new 30 GB..

but truth is, I'd actually need a 60+ GB iPod for all my music..at least with the 30 GB one I get half of my music..

So...I live with unresponsive buttons & having to reset it a lot...for the sake of hard drive size & slim design.

Christopher

Originally posted by abevcole
I called APPLE about 2 months ago, regarding slow dials, which is a misnomer, due to the old model, really has no dials, but anyway, unresponsive keys so to speak. I got it to finally work, myself. after several attempts. Last week, noticed that IPOD was locked on one playlist singer, but would not play, just skipped all the music, appearing to play a little, then skip to another song on the playlist, now it does nothing, and gives me the empty folder and now the sad face, which is death knell.

[bertagert]

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac

Most people like to take advantage of their car speakers. (Yes, there's iTrip...)

Well, I guess there are a few that can't hook up to the car stereo. I personally have a front input on the deck in my one car and rca jacks on the other and figured most people would have the same or atleast try to hardwire in. I see the itrip as a pretty cool device (don't own one cause they're not out yet for the new ipods). I think that will solve a lot of peoples problems. Of course, I've heard conflicting reports on the sound quality.

I guess, if you can't hard wire the ipod to the car, you really have only two options. Get a new deck, or do the itrip or cassette route.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by zap23
I think we will see bluetooth headphones :) and hopefully, a wireless remote w/ lcd. this would allow you to not touch your iPod except for charging, syncing, and etc.

Why do you need a wireless remote for a device smaller than the average remote?

[bertagert]

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
Why do you need a wireless remote for a device smaller than the average remote?

I think he means to have a remote so you can walk around the house or even for the car, so you can change your songs etc. while the ipod is plugged directly into the stereo.

To add to that, I also think he's saying, he wants a remote that gets all the songs and playlists off the ipod so you can change what ever you want just like you would be holding the ipod in your hand. There is a curent wireless remote but it only offers Play, Pause, FF, RR and Volume. Having a remote that you could actually see the songs and choose which ones you wanted to play would be much better. A remote like this would be possible through a bluetooth dock and remote.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by bertagert
I think he means to have a remote so you can walk around the house or even for the car, so you can change your songs etc. while the ipod is plugged directly into the stereo.

To add to that, I also think he's saying, he wants a remote that gets all the songs and playlists off the ipod so you can change what ever you want just like you would be holding the ipod in your hand. There is a curent wireless remote but it only offers Play, Pause, FF, RR and Volume. Having a remote that you could actually see the songs and choose which ones you wanted to play would be much better. A remote like this would be possible through a bluetooth dock and remote.

Such a remote would be about as sophisticated as...another iPod!

Which is why I'm a fan of iTrip coupled with using the iPod itself as the remote :)

[thericky]

a wireless backlit remote control showing the current song title/artist with the ability to skip to next track, previous, pause, play, and stop would be exactly what i would want.

i dont have an iPod yet and there are three things keeping me from getting one:

1. i don't have a way to hook it up to the car (yet)
2. i'd have to get up every time i wanna change the song on my home stereo when i'm sitting on the couch (or run a rediculously long cord)
3. i can't afford it (yet)

i'm working on numbers 1 and 3, but i can't do anything about 2... hopefully apple will.

[jettredmont]

Two peripherals:

1) Peripheral for iPod: Airport Extreme broadcast of an iTunes 4 shared music folder (ie, contents of iPod are shared, any playlists are shared, etc, just like iTunes on your Mac). Accessible from any Mac on your AE home network. Broadcasts same as iTunes, can handle multiple streams at once, etc. Question: powered or unpowered? I'd guess powered (dock-style).

2) Peripheral for home stereos: Airport Extreme iTunes Music receiver. Compatible with AAC/MP3. Able to pick up tunes from any Mac or iPod on your AE/Home network. Question of interface: web (with perhaps a handy add-in to iTunes 4.1), TV, or built-in?

Buzzwords: Airport Extreme, Rendezvous, Digital Hub, AAC, iTunes Music Store, Music Network.

That's my guesses and I'm sticking to them.

[Yellowtooth]

Don't know much about hte new standalone Soundtrack program, but how about something like an Apple version of a microphone, combined with software for the iPod and maybe a firmware upgrade that will allow you to capture audio directly onto the iPod, and then when you sync up to your Mac it could open Soundtrack and ask if you want to include the added material to an existing song/track, or open a new song with it. This would be a pretty cool feature, esp. if they added a stripped down included version of Soundtrack for you to demo.....

Just thinking that they might want to promote Soundtrack more heavily since I haven't heard much buzz about it since its release.

[damax452]

I would love to see a new dock that hooks up to my stereo ( i know the current one already does). But I'd like to have a remote control feature for it. Also, i think the mic is a definate because its already capable of recording. A software update would be necessary too though. One software fix I would like to see is eliminating the 4K text limit. I dont use text files because of this seemingly unnecessary limitaion.
Gotta go, see you all later

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by Yellowtooth
Just thinking that they might want to promote Soundtrack more heavily since I haven't heard much buzz about it since its release.

Soundtrack is a professional audio-mixing program. Apple COULD come out with an iVersion of it, however. I don't know why, but there it is.

[loneAzdgari]

Originally posted by jettredmont
Two peripherals:

1) Peripheral for iPod: Airport Extreme broadcast of an iTunes 4 shared music folder (ie, contents of iPod are shared, any playlists are shared, etc, just like iTunes on your Mac). Accessible from any Mac on your AE home network. Broadcasts same as iTunes, can handle multiple streams at once, etc. Question: powered or unpowered? I'd guess powered (dock-style).

2) Peripheral for home stereos: Airport Extreme iTunes Music receiver. Compatible with AAC/MP3. Able to pick up tunes from any Mac or iPod on your AE/Home network. Question of interface: web (with perhaps a handy add-in to iTunes 4.1), TV, or built-in?

Buzzwords: Airport Extreme, Rendezvous, Digital Hub, AAC, iTunes Music Store, Music Network.

That's my guesses and I'm sticking to them.

Do ya have to rip off my ideas?!?! Jeez.. ;)

Read thread 2&3

[applekid]

Originally posted by dukemeiser
There are about 20 some (26?) pins located on the 3G iPod's dock connector. 6 for firewire, 2 for audio out (at least). So what are the other 18 for? Remote controls might cover another 6. See what I'm getting at? There are a lot of pins that don't have a function yet....until Apple releases something that exploits those functions...

Ah, yes! A big thank you for reminding me about that. This is very similar to an article MacAddict had in a review about 3G iPods. They must've known something was up.

To add to that, maybe they'll release a FW800 Cable? 6 for regular Firewire, add another 6, and you could get FW800 with my naive thinking ;)

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by loneAzdgari
Do ya have to rip off my ideas?!?! Jeez.. ;)

Read thread 2&3

Didn't read most of the thread, just skimmed it, and missed your posts. Sorry. Theres only so much fantasizing about DJ IPods and mic-in's that a an can take! :)

But, in contrast to your posts, I put in iTunes streaming connectivity, not just iPod -> speakers. That way your trusty Mac fits into the equation as well ...

:)

[Le Big Mac]

All this speculation is interesting, but could I place a vote for "lamest thread ever"? It's a rumor about nothing. Apple will introduce an iPod related product, but we don't know what. It's entirely useless.

But I do hope there's something good. Or maybe even a couple of good things.

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by thericky
a wireless backlit remote control showing the current song title/artist with the ability to skip to next track, previous, pause, play, and stop would be exactly what i would want.

i dont have an iPod yet and there are three things keeping me from getting one:

1. i don't have a way to hook it up to the car (yet)
2. i'd have to get up every time i wanna change the song on my home stereo when i'm sitting on the couch (or run a rediculously long cord)
3. i can't afford it (yet)

i'm working on numbers 1 and 3, but i can't do anything about 2... hopefully apple will.

A good car dock would be great--line out and power in.

a dock with an IR receiver and a tiny remote, and audio out for the stereo. maybe video out for the tv, so you could see what's on.

[czardmitri]

Originally posted by sigamy

I guess I had it too easy with my VW--it was prewired for a CD Changer. I picked up an auxiliary input converter and a 10 ft. cable and now I have near CD quality from my iPod directly into my factory car stereo. Haven't used the in-dash CD player since.

Even if you have to pay for installation this solution beats cassette adapters and FM modulators hands down. Definetly worth the extra cash.

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxinpconv.html



I have a similar device for my '98 Golf. I also have a '95 Jetta and have yet to find a device for it. If anyone has any clue where to get one for a '95, please let me know.


Thanks.

[damax452]

This is a software issue, but whatever. Id like to see apple fix the little blip you hear between two songs. If im listening to an album where one track plays into another track or something similar, i dont want to know it changed track numbers because i hear a little interruption in the music. Maybe this is impossible to do, but it would be quite nice. :o

[you]

i was just pricing out a 12" pb at apple.com and i threw in a 10 gb ipod for that "buy a bundle" deal when i got to the shipping info screen it said that the ipod was 2-3 weeks. Is that normal? or is something up?

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by Le Big Mac
All this speculation is interesting, but could I place a vote for "lamest thread ever"? It's a rumor about nothing. Apple will introduce an iPod related product, but we don't know what. It's entirely useless.

But I do hope there's something good. Or maybe even a couple of good things.

I don't know. I think open-ended threads like this are really interesting because they trigger people's imaginations. So instead of analysis, which you can get anywhere else, you get new ideas.

If I was Steve Jobs, I would leak rumors like this just so I could read the message boards for ideas.

[jaedreth]

Starting to sound like the rumored Apple MisInformation department, the Men In Monochromatic Hue.

Yes, surprisingly enough as it seems, that Apple may indeed leak false rumors and specs on occasion not only to keep rumormongerers on their toes, but will leak different misinformation to different groups at apple. So usually when you hear the Axe fall, that's MIMH at work.

If any of you are under NDA's, follow them. :)

Jaedreth

[arn]

Update: Appleinsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/news_bytes.php) provides some independent confirmation of iPod peripherals coming. One "suggestion" is an input dictation device, but this information appears to be speculative.

The only additional information MacRumors can provide at this time is that the upcoming peripherals will require an iPod software update to utilize the new hardware.

[WM.]

Originally posted by applekid
To add to that, maybe they'll release a FW800 Cable? 6 for regular Firewire, add another 6, and you could get FW800 with my naive thinking ;)
Allow me to make you slightly less naive: :)

FW400 is two data pairs + power + ground for power = 6 pins. (4-pin connectors leave out power and power ground--signal ground is provided by the [metal] shell.) FW800 is more complicated, but I know it involves nine pins. I'm too lazy to look in the Dev Note of an Apple product with FW800, but that would be the fastest way to find out the pinout of 9-pin connectors if you're that interested. :)

HTH
WM

[Tequila Grandma]

Chalk me up as someone who would greatly appreciate the addition of a COMPACT wireless remote with a small LCD with the current track name, and controls for track forward, track back, stop, play, pause, and volume. Basically just a slightly more sophisticated version of what they currently have - something in the vien of those groovy Sony remotes for their CD and MD players (I have one with my Japanese D-EJ885, and it's adorable as well as functional). The reason I'd really like the remote to be wireless is because I would like, at some point, to get an iPod and a portable amp for use with some non-iPod headphones. If I plug the portable amp into the iPod's heaphone/line out jack, then I have no way of plugging in the remote (for use when I am on the go, and my player would be in my bag).

[zac4mac]

There are already lots of options for getting music to your car stereo, I doubt Apple will go there. FW800 is superfluous for the "slow" drive in the iPod.
A multi-use "superDock" would be great, as would a mic input.
I'd really like to have a way to hook an external drive to the pod for more tunes, from there it should be easy to allow USB/FW file transfers, like from a camera/vidcam.
Hope they aren't too cool/expensive, I'm already gonna spend too much on a DP2GHz box and a butload of RAM.

[jaedreth]

How much exactly is a butload?

8GB? ;)

Jaedreth

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
I don't know. I think open-ended threads like this are really interesting because they trigger people's imaginations. So instead of analysis, which you can get anywhere else, you get new ideas.


I didn't mean the ideas, i meant that the rumor was pretty uselessly vague.

I figure this thread should be titled: What accessories/peripherals would you like to see for your iPod?

[jaedreth]

Keep in mind, not accessories.

Headphones are accessories.

A Microphone is an accessory. (Unless Apple decides to call it a peripherial by simply not including it with the iPods, but then again this is kinda like Gates declaring Darkness an industry standard instead of changing the fargin' light bulb...)

A dock is an accessory, even if it is a superdock.

A peripherial has its own functionality and is merely connected to a computer or device.

A recording management unit would be a peripherial. It would have a minimal HD (5 gb or less) or have lighter storage so that it's smaller than a HD, has a decent quality built in microphone, runs firmware similar to the ipod, has a screen, and you use it to manage recording memos, notes, even a capella singing if you like the sound of your voice. It would have to have a high ram to storage ratio, and then save the file on your iPod, and update the iPod list...


Now that would be a peripherial, not an accessory. Dependent upon being used with the iPod, but it has functionality separate from the iPod.

Let's see, there were supposed to be two of them... Let's think...

What besides Memo-note taking do we want to do with our iPods?

Dare I say video? How about a 10" widescreen format lcd screen device with cover, built in graphics card, it's own firmware, etc.

The iPods will then be updated to support .mp4, .mov, and (please) .avi (not likely though) file formats, though you can only manage them from the peripherial.

Just like from the memo device is how you record or listen to memos. The memo device should be able to hold a good number of small memos, but for any lengthy ones, it would have to store on the iPod, though the Video peripherial would have to have everything stored on the iPod, having an internal drive large enough to do otherwise wouldn't make it a peripherial to the iPod, but a separate device independent of it.

So, the iPod Recorder, and the iPod Video Display could be names for these.

Again, going by semantics, logic, and a little bit of Apple knowledge... If those rumors are true about two iPod peripherials, not accessories, then that's what I'd expect. Such would greatly enhance the digital lifestyle.

Jaedreth

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by jaedreth
A recording management unit would be a peripherial. It would have a minimal HD (5 gb or less) or have lighter storage so that it's smaller than a HD, has a decent quality built in microphone, runs firmware similar to the ipod, has a screen, and you use it to manage recording memos, notes, even a capella singing if you like the sound of your voice. It would have to have a high ram to storage ratio, and then save the file on your iPod, and update the iPod list...

Why not just include a microphone and let the iPod itself do these things?

Originally posted by jaedreth
The iPods will then be updated to support .mp4, .mov, and (please) .avi (not likely though) file formats, though you can only manage them from the peripherial.

Why bother with AVI? That's the old-school WMV. All it's ever used for anymore is Divx. It's not worth it.

[bennetsaysargh]

if it doesn't support Divx, then they're screwed. they won't mention it as a a feature, but it would be in the notes. a lot of movies are divx, and it's becoming a "pirate standard" if you will.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by bennetsaysargh
if it doesn't support Divx, then they're screwed. they won't mention it as a a feature, but it would be in the notes. a lot of movies are divx, and it's becoming a "pirate standard" if you will.

I don't know about you, but I doctor my Divx, with Divx Doctor.

[Catt]

The iPod itself is a peripheral. Can you really get a peripheral for a peripheral?

Anyway as many have said I would love to see an LCD remote control.

It would be interesting if the LCD remote had a built in FM tuner. Because then it could be used independently as a radio and then also used as a remote for the iPod. So you'd have a small remote/radio unit with a headphone socket and another socket which you can plug in a cord to then connect it to the iPod as a remote but unplug this cord from the remote/radio unit when you want to use it independently. A firmware update would then allow the iPod to record off the radio in the remote.
I would seriously consider getting a device like this.

[tny]

I'm guessing that in this case the peripheral/accessory distinction is between things like cases and headphones (accessories) and recording interfaces (peripherals).

My guesses:

1. A digital audio recording dock, with inputs for microphones, stereo components, etc.

2. A TV tuner dock with a coaxial TV in and out, PVR software, and a QT encoder.

[Schtu]

I've never read of anyone who thought that the voice recording found in the new generation of iPods (which is six seconds) could mean that Apple is developing a second way for us to navigate --- voice recognition.

Think about it: why only 6 seconds? That's enough time to hold a button, speak the artist/song/album, release the button, and have the iPod search for that query. Cell phone carriers already have voice recognition dialing - why not iPod navigation?

Of course, if I'm wrong, then someone should forward this on to Apple and tell 'em to "get on the ball!" (Which would mean deployment in ... what? ... January 2006???):rolleyes:

What do you think?

[Schtu]

Originally posted by jaedreth
A recording management unit would be a peripherial. It would have a minimal HD (5 gb or less) or have lighter storage so that it's smaller than a HD, has a decent quality built in microphone, runs firmware similar to the ipod, has a screen, and you use it to manage recording memos, notes, even a capella singing if you like the sound of your voice. It would have to have a high ram to storage ratio, and then save the file on your iPod, and update the iPod list


Yeah, all good ideas, but I still think Apple isn't thinking that way. Remember too that Steve has already said many times that he's going after DJs with the iPod. Consumers - yes. DJs - whole new target market/audience. Voice Navigation would be a huge plus for a DJ to sift through thousands of songs instantaneously.

:D

[cheesy]

I doubt voice recognition would be of much use for DJs...the whole job of a DJ is to play loud music (i know i know, and mix and stuff) so voice recognition wouldn't work too well.

Also, don't most cell phones with voice recognition require you to record the voice tag first? That would suck to have to voice tag 40GB of music...

Another thing, I really think a microphone should be built in. I find that when I buy peripherals/accesories for small items that are supposed to be portable (like a cell phone) after the novelty wears off I stop carrying the things around with me. Then when I really need it I won't have it.

For example, I bought this clip on thumboard keyboard type thing (Ericsson ChatBoard) for my cell phone (T39) but I never use it. It was cool for awhile but I didn't use it enough to justify bothering carrying it around. Also, an MP3 player for the cell phone. It was kinda of cool but the features didn't outweigh the drawback of carrying it around all the time (it practically doubled the length of the phone, and the stupid jack was 2.5mm instead of the standard 3.5mm, plus I could hold, oh 15 songs on the 64MB MMC card). However, if either of these features were built in I'm sure I would use them all the time.


I would really love an improved remote control. A small LCD screen (MiniDisc style) would be very very useful and I think I would find myself using it a lot more.

Bluetooth should also be built in. Of course it would be extremely slow for transfering songs, but it would be great for syncing contacts/calendar/notes/whatever with both your computer AND other PDAs or iPods or cell phones.

Another idea I just came up with is a Bluetooth wristwatch. It wouldn't be only for the iPod (most people wouldn't bother wearing a watch if all it had was time and an iPod remote), but it would also have other features:

1) Standard watch functions (time, date, alarm, stopwatch, etc)
2) Bluetooth iPod remote. You could change tracks, volume, play, pause, etc. It would also show you what was playing and you could essentially browse through your music. Also, there are programs that allow you to control your computer's audio, movie, DVD players with a Bluetooth cell phone. The watch could controll your computer's applications. If other home entertainment devices start getting Bluetooth, it would work with them too (TVs, DVD players, VCRs, etc)
3) Bluetooth flash drive. Decent amount of memory, maybe 16 or 32MB. Could connect to any Bluetooth enabled device (computer, PDA, cell phone, etc) and mounted on a computer. Bluetooth is slow so it would be for small amounts of data.
4) Contacts, Calendar. Sync with iSync or directly with iPod/whatever Bluetooth devices. Store in flash drive. iCal alarms would work. Maybe dial a Bluetooth cell phone (Address Book style)
5) Connect to Bluetooth enabled cell phone. When your phone rings glance at your watch to see who's calling. Press a button to ignore the call/silence the ringing

Think about it. Don't you ever wish you had certain things with you all the time and easily accessible? The flash drive and contacts, calendar, etc would be very useful to have at all times. You would never be without your address book, your iCal alarms would always be heard (they're useless if you're not at your computer otherwise), you could always have important data with you and always have a way to transfer data. The remote control would be very easily accessible, so would the cell phone caller ID and reject call function.

It wouldn't be TOO big but it would be reasonable. Hopefully it wouldn't stand out too much, and it would look like pretty much any other digital watch, or maybe a classy analoge watch but with an LCD screen and buttons. Possibly taking style from the G5, brushed aluminum or something.

Since it's got Bluetooth the batteries would have to be damn good, maybe rechargable. That would be the only downside. Bluetooth should be able to be turned off to conserve battery life.

Dammit I hate when I come up with ideas that I would really really like to have, but I know no one will ever make them. Hell, that's partially why I'm studying computer engineering/computer science in college :D


A few improvements on the iPod OS I would like to see:

1) Allow input of data. Even if it's only using the scroll wheel, I would like a limited way to enter things into the Contacts and Calendar functions. Notes would be tedious, but simple contacts and calendar events wouldn't be too hard using the scroll wheel.
2) Include groups in the Contacts function. The Calendar lets you see events in individual calendars (or "All"), but the Contacts don't let you see groups, only "All".


As far as peripherals for the iPod go, here are a few ideas I like:

1) The memory card reader. This would be awesome for people with digital cameras on vacation. My family had to buy this stupid Iomega Fotoshow thing when we went to Italy for a month. The iPod would be perfect to store photos. It's got a large hard drive and it extremely portable. If the 4G iPods have a color screen (replace the scroll wheel and buttons with a color touch screen that goes across the entire front of the iPod) you could even view the photos. AND if the iPod had composite video out (like one of those iBook ports that looks like a regular headphone plug/jack but also has video out) then you could present your photos on a TV or projector without a laptop or Fotoshow type thing. AND :D if it had video you could view movies either on the color screen or via video out. Plus you could present Keynote presentations with the video out and a TV or projector. Combine that with the Bluetooth watch remote dealy and you've got a complete (and awesome) solution.
2) As mentioned a microphone would be cool, but I still think it should just be built in.
3) The DJ idea is cool. They had DJs at the iPod event in May. The DJ had two iPods, but wouldn't it be better if they could just use one iPod? It maybe be too processor intensive and complicated UI wise, but it might work. Pitch control would be awesome. Maybe a built in BPM counter, mixer with treble/bass control (for each song), pretty much all the standard turntable/mixer features. Maybe looping or something too. If this was all in an external console type thing that would solve the problem of trying to mess with the controls.
4) It's 4:30 am and I've spent way too much time typing this so maybe I'll add more later.


OK I went a little overboard. But wouldn't these features be cool? :cool:

[cheesy]

oh another cool idea is the Airport card. You could either broadcast to computers or home audio peripherals, OR recieve internet streams. That would be cool.

Is anyone even still reading this thread?

[Heart Break Kid]

im on the market for my first ipod
i follow this thread like a religion - all these ideas on new ipod periph have gotten me so excited. i just dont wanna blow my load before tuesday. hows that for a subtle metaphor?

seriously though - i think the periph would deifnatley have to work with all the ipods out now - i mean the airport card is a great idea, but i dunno how that would work with current gen ipods. also, the bluetooth idea would work great if the current ipods had bluetooth built in already - since there are no pci slots i am aware of an ipod, my guess is soome kind of DJ table + software where you can blug in one or 2 ipods and mix using them.

i do think the watch remote is a great idea! i wish it was what we would see, but i think we're gonna see something more basic then something that wild.

i dont want to sound pessimistic, but i dont think we should expect the world from the ipod periphs - i think we're up for a mediocre announcement at best.

i hope im proved wrong though

[Schtu]

Originally posted by cheesy
I doubt voice recognition would be of much use for DJs...the whole job of a DJ is to play loud music (i know i know, and mix and stuff) so voice recognition wouldn't work too well.

Also, don't most cell phones with voice recognition require you to record the voice tag first? That would suck to have to voice tag 40GB of music...

Your first point may be right; I just was thinking about how much easier it would be to navigate in an instant by speaking the song/artist/album you wanted.

On the second point, Mac has been developing voice recognition software for years for disabled people. There's no "learning" of your voice involved, so this may still be a viable option for Apple to develop. Also, it seems that Apple spends a lot of time developing new ideas that are not initially embraced by the many, and years later it either pops up in a new fashion by them or another company (the Newton vs. the Palm Pilot for example).

[cheesy]

Originally posted by Schtu
Your first point may be right; I just was thinking about how much easier it would be to navigate in an instant by speaking the song/artist/album you wanted.

On the second point, Mac has been developing voice recognition software for years for disabled people. There's no "learning" of your voice involved, so this may still be a viable option for Apple to develop. Also, it seems that Apple spends a lot of time developing new ideas that are not initially embraced by the many, and years later it either pops up in a new fashion by them or another company (the Newton vs. the Palm Pilot for example).

I forgot to mention on the 2nd point that i think most voice recognition needs a dictionary of words to work with. it might be hard for voice recognition to recognize certain band names and stuff.

another thing is, i don't know how receptive people would be to talking to small electronic devices in public. i know i would be a little self conscience sitting in public talking to my ipod :D

it would be nifty though :)

[lewdvig]

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
If I was Steve Jobs, I would leak rumors like this just so I could read the message boards for ideas.

There are more Apple employee lurkers here than you think.

[bennetsaysargh]

Originally posted by lewdvig
There are more Apple employee lurkers here than you think.

oh? is that a hint lewdvig?;)

[Schtu]

Originally posted by cheesy
I forgot to mention on the 2nd point that i think most voice recognition needs a dictionary of words to work with. it might be hard for voice recognition to recognize certain band names and stuff.

another thing is, i don't know how receptive people would be to talking to small electronic devices in public. i know i would be a little self conscience sitting in public talking to my ipod :D

it would be nifty though :)

It's still puzziling why there was that six seconds of recording ability found though. Why such a short amount? What can someone do with that in all honesty? Is it safe to say that it was put into the 3rd gen. iPods so that a new software update could take advantage of it? I haven't been satisfied by many explanations as to what this is since I first heard about it. And I'm not saying that I'm right about voice recognition navigation - but I find it an intriguing idea. Giving people multiple ways to navigate through any GUI enhances the usability aspects for both product and user.

(Maybe they'll create a "whisper feature" so that you wouldn't feel too self-conscious) ;)

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by cheesy
another thing is, i don't know how receptive people would be to talking to small electronic devices in public. i know i would be a little self conscience sitting in public talking to my ipod :D

I dunno, I feel like a stud when I'm voice-controlling my iMac. It's something I definitely plan to show off when I get my PowerBook.

Originally posted by lewdvig
There are more Apple employee lurkers here than you think.

Didn't Steve say in a keynote once that they read the rumor sites?

[Schtu]

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
I dunno, I feel like a stud when I'm voice-controlling my iMac. It's something I definitely plan to show off when I get my PowerBook.


Just curious Phil of Mac - what software are you using?

[Phil Of Mac]

Apple Speakable Items.

[altecniblick]

No, really what is the point? I'm sick of waiting. If a mic is so boring and simple, why don't they just do it. I'm really, really, really tired of waiting, to the point where I might do something desperate, like buy a friggin tape recorder.

....although, if it is a mic, what sort of quality would it offer. The demand seems to be in some circles for a dictaphone capability. Is that the limit of the quality for live recording, or have I missed the whole point?

I liked the jet pack idea. Functional is good.

[sacrilicious]

A lot of these ideas are absolutely absurd. Though, I wouldn't mind having some of the things dreamt up.

And, for the record, I, as a club DJ that plays on vinyl, would like to distance myself from anyone able to "DJ" on an iPod. Playing music at wedding or a Barmitzvah? Great. Mixing and manipulating? Not so great--an iPod is simply too small to perform on. Not that a guy doing a high school dance wouldn't be perfect with a pair of 10gigs, though.

[cheesy]

What I think most people meant by a DJ iPod was like an external device that had turntables that hooked up to the iPod or something like that.

Theres a product that does exactly that but for laptops/computers. its called Final Scratch and it's made by Stanton I think. In fact, MacAddict gave it the highest rating possible.

http://www.finalscratch.com/fs4/start.asp

Something like that for an iPod would be awesome. Just plug your RCA cables into a breakout box that plugs into the iPod, then plug the mixer into the breakout box too. Then all you have to do is select the track on the iPod and mix exactly like you normally do, scratching, mixing, everything.

Of course we would need an iPod with a G3 processor and 256MB of RAM..............but thats not the point :rolleyes: