Apple Trademarks 'iPod Hi-Fi' and 'iPod Boombox'

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Appleinsider notes (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1468) that Apple has filed for trademarks for two new phrases with the Hong Kong Trademark office. These include:

iPod Hi-Fi - filed on September 20, 2005. Trademark description mirrored here (http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/articleimages/hktm/hkhifi_ipodhifi.php)

iPod Boombox - filed June 13, 2005. Trademark description is mirrored here (http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/articleimages/hktm/hktm_ipodboombox.php).

Both products are classified in broad categories of computers, hardware, peripherals, etc... Appleinsider had previously claimed (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/12/20051212210230.shtml) that an iPod Boombox and other iPod companion products were due from Apple at Macworld San Francisco. While the date may not have been accurate, these trademarks suggest these products are under consideration by Apple.

[runninmac]

I wouldnt mind one of the iPods with an inch bigger screen and higher res.!:eek: I would love to see what this iPod Boombox looks like

[Lacero]

Ooh nice, can we carry these new Apple iBoomboxes on our shoulders? I want an iGhettoblaster. :D Gratz runninmacHere's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[w_parietti22]

Boombox? why? When I think of a boombox, I think a small crappy set of speakers... Of corse, this is an "Apple" Boombox...

[derajfast]

radio raheem?

[EricNau]

I think I can figure out what the "iPod Boombox" would be, but I have no idea what "iPod Hi-Fi" would be. :confused:

[iMeowbot]

One possibility is that these would be a trademarks to describe licensed players (iHome SoundDock etc.).

[Peace]

I think I can figure out what the "iPod Boombox" would be, but I have no idea what "iPod Hi-Fi" would be. :confused:

Maybe Sirius Satellite

[~Shard~]

Yeah, I'm thinking this might have something to do with satellite radio. Or, in the case of iPod Hi-Fi, perhaps the "high fidelity" refers to better quality tunes, i.e. Apple lossless tunes off iTMS. And then a larger capacity iPod to make room for the resulting larger file sizes... ;)

[Macmaniac]

iPod Blaster anyone??

"Thump Thump"

[Lacero]

I think I can figure out what the "iPod Boombox" would be, but I have no idea what "iPod Hi-Fi" would be. :confused:
Let me guess... iPod that supports 24-bit 96Khz audio? And perhaps 5.1 surround sound in AC3 or DVD-Audio format.Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[balamw]

Let me guess... iPod that supports 24-bit 96Khz audio? And perhaps 5.1 surround sound in AC3 or DVD-Audio format.
Optical output designed to hook up to your home theater receiver. Using standard 3.5" 250 GB drives, so you can keep all your ripped audio CDs in Apple Lossless. Yet, it can transcode to 128 kpbs AAC on the fly when you sync it with your iPod. <drool>.

B

[EricNau]

I could be wrong, but it doesn't seem like Apple to change the name of their iPod. Instead of them coming out with the "New iPod Hi-Fi" I would suspect they would just keep "iPod." So even if they made great changes to the iPod (like mentioned above) I wouldn't expect them to call it something different.
This makes me think it would be an accessory. Maybe like the FM radio remote, only satellite?

[rockthecasbah]

Honestly, what are the Apple marketers smoking when they think up names for these things? I mean now they are so out of it they are using dated technology/tech. terms? What's next, iPod 8track?

[nagromme]

The name iPod Hi-Fi sounds a little 50s to me for some reason.

I picture a giant wooden cabinet with a massive scroll wheel behind a pair of doors.

But remember Apple, doesn't USE all of its trademarks. Didn't they trademark Junkyard a couple years ago?

But after Mighty Mouse and Vingle, I think I'm just numb... I don't even care what they name stuff anymore--if I want, I'll buy it anyway :)

[treblah]

radio raheem?

R.I.P. ;)

[aswitcher]

Could be just to protect themselves from anyone else trying to market products with these names...

[Grimace]

Keep in mind that Apple files for trademarks on product names it *might* use. It may be a shortlist of what Apple might call its new iPod PLAYING product; as in, they are BOTH players for existing iPod models:

#1. Apple Boombox
#2. Apple Hi-Fi

Apple can decide later on, but the license name is already reserved.

[EricNau]

Honestly, what are the Apple marketers smoking when they think up names for these things? I mean now they are so out of it they are using dated technology/tech. terms? What's next, iPod 8track?
I thought the same thing when I first read 'MacBook Pro.'

[(L)]

I'd agree that these things don't sound like iPods, but iPod accessories. Sure, an inch bigger screen may be great, but the iPod getting BIGGER would be highly unpopular. And ultimately, it's a music player, and I hope Apple keeps it that way. If you want a bigger screen for video, why sacrifice portability? I think that's why Apple made it possible to plug the thing into a tv. Higher quality would be nice though.

IF Apple makes iPod accessories (boombox, speakers or whatever)...what would be good about them? Sure, they'll probably look real neat, but it's the sound that matters to me. Since when does Apple have a team of acoustical engineer specialists? Or are they teaming up with Bose or somebody? Or does "Hi-Fi" mean "Well, it's better than the included earbuds"? Somehow I don't expect audiophile or even budget audiophile quality. You can drive the price up on not-so-brilliant speakers by throwing in iPod dock/compatibility, wireless, good looks, Apple logo, and some extra new, gimmicky thing (for a kicker), but...I find it difficult to be optimistic about such a thing, since Apple can certainly do all those things, but what muscles do they have to flex in the acoustical engineering side of this? Bose, Klipsch, etc have some overpriced systems out, but from what I read they all seem to have some kind of fault, whether it be iPod docking problems or weak bass or poor frequency range or tinny midrange or.... And in the midst of these not-so-brilliant systems costing so much, IF boombox/HiFi etc refers to something with speakers and Apple releases something, I have a feeling

Nonetheless, I am left hanging. "Boombox" is rather specific, but "Hi-Fi" is an often-abused term (128kbps is not Hi-Fi; I consider Lossless a decent compromise). And Apple could easily use neither, right? This vapor is hard to get a grip on.

[bloogersnigen]

I think I can figure out what the "iPod Boombox" would be, but I have no idea what "iPod Hi-Fi" would be. :confused:

The term Hi-Fi speaker is sometimesused to describe the awesome, wooden, 3 foot tall speakers for your college dorm

[frome]

Introducing the world most powerfull speakers for the ipod, the iPod Hi-Fi.. we will be shipping the iPod Hi-Fi in 10 years... start ordering now or you will miss this chance of a lifetime!!! :(

[Timothy]

radio raheem?
R.I.P. ;)

Love and Hate :-) Fight the Power! :-)

[maldoblaz]

what I would like out of the next iPod:

WiFi access / Bluethoot for earbuds
brief browser / direct downloader
digital stereo - 5.1 output
better video compression output
true Keynote / Powerpoint A/V output
120 Gb (why not?)
With the same looks

any comments?

[mdavey]

I have no idea what "iPod Hi-Fi" would be. :confused:

Perhaps something destined for the home? Seems to make sense to continue to use the iPod name for some parts of a home audio system. Regarding Hi-Fi sounding 1950's (nagromme) - perhaps to geeks like us but this is the term that the layman on the street most easily recognises: link to Richer Sounds website (http://richersounds.com).

I could imagine Apple producing a 'home' version of the iPod in a standard-sized Hi-Fi component box with space for a couple of 3.5" hard disks, an iPod docking port and a network connection. Apple's answer to SlimDevices' Squeezebox (http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_overview.html).

[hyperpasta]

This is probably to keep other companies from calling their products an "iPod Boombox".

[peejay]

A general point:

Will people please stop referring to Bose as hi-fi? The company makes products that sound impressive to the average consumer by using simple psychoacoustic tricks and shortcuts. The components are put in shiny, compact boxes to appeal to those concerned with decor. And careful branding has been done with the Bose name to convince people to pay a hefty price on it all. Buyers have the satisfaction of feeling like smart consumers because they bought something that is perceived to be high quality, and looks just unconventional enough to stand out. It works because nobody actually sits down and just listens to music - it's usually on while you're doing something else. If you listened to good recordings on a good system in a room set up properly, you would not be so enamored of the "Bose sound" any more.

But people here believe that two channel stereo is obsolete. These are the same people who dumped all their records in the 80's when CDs were still crappy sounding novelties and CD players were essentially still in prototype stage. Now they're dumping their CDs for overly compressed DRM-locked files. They are using their computers to play music through plasticky sub-and-satellite speakers propped on their desks while their real stereos sit unused in boxes in their basements. In comparison, yes, Bose sounds great!

The funny thing is that the iPods already are considered high fidelity by a lot of audiophiles - as long as the bit rates are high enough (320 kbps and above) and quality headphones are used. (There is a great pair from Grado that costs $70.) Somebody actually makes a tube amplifier just for iPod input that sells for over $4000! (Sorry no link.) The nits that enthusiasts have with the iPod are the quality of analog input (they want lossless line-level inputs), and the problem with gaps between songs.

[Seasought]

An ultra-thin iPod boombox that can mount to your wall like a painting, or slide, conveniently inside of an old pizza-box.

I'm not terribly excited about either until I see what they are I guess. :D

[ScottB]

Ordinarily I would ignore iPod related rumours but my dads looking for a way to play music upstairs, just the other day he mentioned he was looking at iPod docks. If Apple is thinking of releasing some home music players, like a speaker system that would be great. Especially if I could interact with it using a network. Unfortunately, I think this is just Apple making sure that nobody creates a product under these names or reserving them in the slim chance they intend to later on. :rolleyes:

[Jesus]

A general point:

Will people please stop referring to Bose as hi-fi? The company makes products that sound impressive to the average consumer by using simple psychoacoustic tricks and shortcuts. The components are put in shiny, compact boxes to appeal to those concerned with decor. And careful branding has been done with the Bose name to convince people to pay a hefty price on it all. Buyers have the satisfaction of feeling like smart consumers because they bought something that is perceived to be high quality, and looks just unconventional enough to stand out. It works because nobody actually sits down and just listens to music - it's usually on while you're doing something else. If you listened to good recordings on a good system in a room set up properly, you would not be so enamored of the "Bose sound" any more.

But people here believe that two channel stereo is obsolete. These are the same people who dumped all their records in the 80's when CDs were still crappy sounding novelties and CD players were essentially still in prototype stage. Now they're dumping their CDs for overly compressed DRM-locked files. They are using their computers to play music through plasticky sub-and-satellite speakers propped on their desks while their real stereos sit unused in boxes in their basements. In comparison, yes, Bose sounds great!

The funny thing is that the iPods already are considered high fidelity by a lot of audiophiles - as long as the bit rates are high enough (320 kbps and above) and quality headphones are used. (There is a great pair from Grado that costs $70.) Somebody actually makes a tube amplifier just for iPod input that sells for over $4000! (Sorry no link.) The nits that enthusiasts have with the iPod are the quality of analog input (they want lossless line-level inputs), and the problem with gaps between songs.


End rant :rolleyes:

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

what I would like out of the next iPod:
digital stereo - 5.1 output

I heard an interview with a guy from Dolby. THey were interviewing him about Dolby Headphone (http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/headphone.html). THey asked him flat out, could this be used for future video content on iPods? He said he couldnt comment.
hmmm......

[mdavey]

I heard an interview with a guy from Dolby. THey were interviewing him about Dolby Headphone (http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/headphone.html). THey asked him flat out, could this be used for future video content on iPods? He said he couldnt comment.
hmmm......

There are similar technologies already on the market. The Audio Advantage micro is a small USB dongle for headphones. On a PC*, it will convert the soundtrack (Dolby DTS, other 5.1 or stereo) to virtual 5.1 surround sound in headphones.

There is only one IC in the dongle - an 18-pin CM102S USB device measuring approx 8x16mm. It probably costs a few dollars - it could easily be incorporated into an iPod.

*Unfortionately, although the dongle works on the Mac, neither Apple nor Voyetra Turtle Beach provide a driver for Dolby Digital and DTS output, nor the virtual 3D sound processing.

[kugino]

A general point:

Will people please stop referring to Bose as hi-fi? The company makes products that sound impressive to the average consumer by using simple psychoacoustic tricks and shortcuts. The components are put in shiny, compact boxes to appeal to those concerned with decor. And careful branding has been done with the Bose name to convince people to pay a hefty price on it all. Buyers have the satisfaction of feeling like smart consumers because they bought something that is perceived to be high quality, and looks just unconventional enough to stand out. It works because nobody actually sits down and just listens to music - it's usually on while you're doing something else. If you listened to good recordings on a good system in a room set up properly, you would not be so enamored of the "Bose sound" any more.

But people here believe that two channel stereo is obsolete. These are the same people who dumped all their records in the 80's when CDs were still crappy sounding novelties and CD players were essentially still in prototype stage. Now they're dumping their CDs for overly compressed DRM-locked files. They are using their computers to play music through plasticky sub-and-satellite speakers propped on their desks while their real stereos sit unused in boxes in their basements. In comparison, yes, Bose sounds great!

The funny thing is that the iPods already are considered high fidelity by a lot of audiophiles - as long as the bit rates are high enough (320 kbps and above) and quality headphones are used. (There is a great pair from Grado that costs $70.) Somebody actually makes a tube amplifier just for iPod input that sells for over $4000! (Sorry no link.) The nits that enthusiasts have with the iPod are the quality of analog input (they want lossless line-level inputs), and the problem with gaps between songs.

i agree totally about bo$e. it's like getting a mercedes with a yugo engine in it. all show, no go.

many audiophiles like the ipod for portable listening...but with a proper headphone amp (see my signature) using the dock output's line out. also, songs need to be encoded well, which means AAC or LAME or lossless...paired with the right headphones (the grado sr-60 at $70 is fantastic!), the ipod/headphone amp/good headphones combo will sound amazing. on a sidenote, one company, redwineaudio.com, is modding the ipod to make it "audiophile-worthy"...they're adding better ouput caps, bypassing the ipod's internal headphone amp to make the headphone ouput a really good line out. i've heard some amazing things about this mod.

end rant.

[Lacero]

AppleInsider reports:

Separately, sources said that Apple is developing an iPod model with a higher-resolution display and about an inch of additional viewing area. It's unclear if, or when, the company intends to release the device, and no further details were provided.

3.5" screen would seem like the next logical jump in screen size. At that size, I think we can hopefully see 480x270 pixel videos. However, if the screen is higher resolution (PPI), I think we can see near DVD quality of 640x360.

I've been holding off on a 5G video iPod hoping the next revision does include a higher resolution screen. 320x240 is so 1995!Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[aquajet]

Will people please stop referring to Bose as hi-fi?...


:D Well said, peejay. Bose is garbage. Crap. And no offense to anybody who ever purchased equipment with the Bose name on it... but you were played. You didn't pay for the equipment that you're listening to, you payed for all those shiny advertisements that proclaim "better sound through research." Research eh? Well, wtf don't you ever publish the specs on your equipment then Bose? Hmmm. Perhaps the sound quality (or lack thereof) of those "Lifestyle" speakers is all you need to know.

Remember all those thousands of dollars you spent on those "Lifestyle" cube speakers? Too bad that the actual drivers can be had for about $12 a piece from discount parts outlets. Ooops.

[/rant]

[Chef Medeski]

Wow! Actual people with HF-1s. So, how many people are from Head-Fi? The Bose bashing was the first hint, but the HF-1 sold the deal.

[xUKHCx]

Hello, been a big reader here for well over a year now, but never really bothered signing up, but since i saw the head-fi love i decided to join just to mark my presence. Unfortunately no hf-1's here but i have the 880's with a portaphile. Would have the redwine modd if i could afford it but as yet cant.

Rich

[jimthorn]

What if the iPod Boombox was a portable stereo with a similar shape to the typical CD-player/radio units from Sony et al. But with both an integrated iPod dock and a built-in Airport Express to allow you to expand the range of your Airport signal and pipe music wirelessly to the boombox from iTunes. Think iPod-dock-speakers meets 802.11-wireless-speakers.