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

[MacRumors]

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

Appleinsider notes 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

iPod Boombox - filed June 13, 2005. Trademark description is mirrored here.

Both products are classified in broad categories of computers, hardware, peripherals, etc... Appleinsider had previously claimed 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.! 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. Gratz runninmac

Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachme...chmentid=35452

[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.

[iMeowbot]

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

[Peace]

Originally Posted by EricNau

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

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]

Originally Posted by EricNau

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

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/attachme...chmentid=35452

[balamw]

Originally Posted by Lacero

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]

Originally Posted by derajfast

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by EricNau

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

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]

Originally Posted by derajfast

radio raheem?

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]

Originally Posted by EricNau

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

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.

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.