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Embedded iPod Apps and Upcoming Devices?

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Original poster
A search at Apple's Job site reveals a few other jobs of interest.

Apple is looking for a Junior Software Engineer to join the iPod and Special Projects Group to "enhance the embedded applications you find on the world famous iPod and the upcoming devices from Apple."

Another job listing for Senior Embedded Software Engineer was looking for an engineer "to design and build embedded consumer multimedia applications" with skills with ARM development.

The ARM Processor is currently used in the iPod.
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2003/09/25/embedded-ipod-apps-and-upcoming-apple-devices/
Video?

<wild speculation>Multimedia - Hmm, might have just said sound if that was all it was. Lets hope it's video too!</wild speculation>
 
never understood ipod users who'd like to see video on their ipod, screen is too small imho.

games is one area of the ipod which would be sweet to improve upon.

space invaders, chess, dig-dug, tetris, tempest(now that would be cool) etc etc

or at least apple give an option to dl extras
 
Hope they hurry

Was hoping they were more advanced on such a device than hiring software engineers now would imply. The Archos AV340 multimedia jukebox is a good model of what I'm hoping for from Apple, except the Apple version would be integrated with iTunes, iPhoto, etc; have a much better interface; and airport extreme for streaming from my desktop. Don't know how long I can resist the archos model though, might have to say screw vertical integration if apple restrict it to just the iPod much longer. There's obviously a market or Archos wouldn't have updated their model, so come on Apple.
 
Originally posted by crap freakboy

space invaders, chess, dig-dug, tetris, tempest(now that would be cool) etc etc
Click to expand...

Wow - you're right - Tempest would be fantastic with the scroll wheel!

(I'm one of the 8 or so people who bought an Atari Jaguar. I don't think Tempest 2000 has left the cartridge slot in 7 years or so... fantastic game).

As for video, I agree. Really can't see any point beyond the gee-wizz factor, and that's one of the strengths of the iPod - all its functionality is genuinely useful. I'd hate to see that tarnished.

Of course, if it employed some kind of holographic projection system, or direct retinal interface, that'd be groovy.

(edit: just in case anyone thought I was being serious, here's a 😉 )
 
Sony makes LCD glasses that create a virtual big-screen TV several feet in front of you. It can be transparent, or it can block out everything if you wish. They come in TV and VGA-connected versions. (The VGA one can be a computer display--but only 800x600 I think.)

They're expensive and the quality's not great. But they COULD one day make portable video doable with an iPod!

Meanwhile--a Tetris clone, please! Wheel to move left/right, button to rotate. the fast-drop option isn't vital.

And a grayscale visualizer would be fun.

I also think image-viewing would be practical, added to Notes maybe. You could view driving maps saved from Mapquest for instance, or show photos to someone in grasycale. Video doesn't seem as useful.
 
Re: Hope they hurry

Originally posted by daijones
The Archos AV340 multimedia jukebox is a good model of what I'm hoping for from Apple, except the Apple version would be integrated with iTunes, iPhoto, etc; have a much better interface; and airport extreme for streaming from my desktop.…
Click to expand...

Yeah, thats the kind of thing I had in mind, battery permitting. A video/audio player, with some sort of wireless ability perhaps as suggested by a previous iPod article.

Hmm, maybe by 2006, with an OLED display covering most of the front? Good for games, video and even that dang PDA functionality. Assuming it doesn't become a phone as well (for all you iPhone despisers out there) 😀

The iPod is gonna evolve or spawn siblings, its just a question of how and when. Lets hope it continues to rule.
 
Originally posted by nagromme

Meanwhile--a Tetris clone, please! Wheel to move left/right, button to rotate. the fast-drop option isn't vital.
Click to expand...

The buttons and scroll wheel aren't particularly well placed WRT each other, at least for Tetris.

Button placement was just one of the many exceptionally smart design decisions made by Nintendo for the original Gameboy (The little curve on one of the corners is inspired).
 
I don't see the point of a video iPod, either. However, as people have mentioned in past threads, being able to plug your digicam in and load up the iPod's HD with pictures... THAT would be useful- better than an IBM Microdrive.

I, too, would like to see more PDA-like features on an iPod. I think Apple missed out on the wave, though.

Squire
 
well, it does say iPod family on the apple store.

also, i would like something do integrate iPhoto into it like the whole iPod taking photos off of the digital cameras. probably not able to do DV though.

also, a visualizer would be great, but maybe it takes up less battery life. and maybe it can show more information about the file.

one thing that i would want, is a feature that i can take songs off of the on the go playlist. maybe how you get them on can be how you get them off.

just ideas🙂
 
iDictate?

Surely the easiest thing for Apple could do to the iPod to make it even more fashionable would be to give it proper line-in capabilities ie make it into a mega dictaphone! Imagine the imnplications - you culd record lectures, interviews, or even the radio onto your iPod! I would snap an iPod up with dictational capacities in no time.

Mike
 
I don't care about viewing video on the iPod but video in and out ports and recording capability could turn the iPod into a portable Tivo. This could have both home and pro uses.

For home use, you could load the iPod with kids shows, plug it into the TV in the car for the next long road trip.

Or instead of exporting your iMovie or FCP project to DV or DVD you could export to the iPod and then view on a TV. Imagine a wedding videographer having drafts of 5 different wedding videos, he just takes his iPod to each client's house and can allow them to view the first draft.
 
What if they add Airport(802.11b/g) functionality, which would enable browsing the internet with your ipod, and a instant connection to iTunes for music purchases from your iPod.. As far as video goes.. arn't there some projectors out there now that have Airport connections that allow you to present your presentation from your laptop wirelessly.. What if you could do this with your iPod, what if you had a MP4/Quicktime movie stored on your iPod and hooked it up to your wireless projector.. No need for the little screen... To me Airport functionality is a natural extension of the iPod
 
Originally posted by crap freakboy
never understood ipod users who'd like to see video on their ipod, screen is too small imho.

games is one area of the ipod which would be sweet to improve upon.

space invaders, chess, dig-dug, tetris, tempest(now that would be cool) etc etc

or at least apple give an option to dl extras
Click to expand...

I've never understood people who don't understand people that want video. What about hooking an iPod up to a TV to show a video, your pictures etc etc. Any video unit in a car to me is big enough ... I'd love this on a trip to just watch my favorite TIVOed shows or maybe an episode of TechTV Screensavers that I'd missed. To see how cool this concept is and someone that's beaten Apple to the punch on this one see:

http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/portabl...5/rca_rd2780_lyra_20gb_audiovideo_jukebox.php

I agree on the game downloads though, Apple could work with not only games for the iPod but with Pangea and have a section called iGames (just like iTunes) - imagine games for 99 cents too! Or what about custom objects for the SIMs for Mac Users, customized Quake mods, etc etc.

I WANT TETRIS on MY iPOD!!!😉
 
Originally posted by sigamy
I don't care about viewing video on the iPod but video in and out ports and recording capability could turn the iPod into a portable Tivo. This could have both home and pro uses.

For home use, you could load the iPod with kids shows, plug it into the TV in the car for the next long road trip.

Or instead of exporting your iMovie or FCP project to DV or DVD you could export to the iPod and then view on a TV. Imagine a wedding videographer having drafts of 5 different wedding videos, he just takes his iPod to each client's house and can allow them to view the first draft.
Click to expand...

wasn't FW supposed to be used to view video?
 
Forgot the best part!

Arn forgot to mention the best part of one of these. Check the last line. Is Symbian OS only used for phones?

Title: Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Req. ID: 2008231
Location: Santa Clara Valley, California

Apple Computer is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to design and build embedded consumer multimedia applications. Must possess strong skills in the areas of application design, embedded development, and have solid API design principles. Candidate should have a history of successful large volume consumer product shipment.

B.S. or better in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. Required skills include C, C++, UI, ARM, and embedded development. Audio codec and Symbian OS experience is desirable.
 
And what about this one?

GSM? Battery operated devices? Display types and video and analog integration?

Title: Sr. Systems Integrator-Hardware Design
Req. ID: 1980342
Location: Santa Clara Valley, California

Responsible for electrical design of cool and stylish Apple products. This person will be a member of a top notch team with responsibilities for the design, implementation, and integration of digital and analog electronics. The applicant should be familiar with computer system architecture and digital design. Duties include schematic capture, prototype bring-up and debugging, hardware bug tracking, functional verification, signal characterization, and manufacturing support.

May work with outside vendors providing new components or electrical assemblies. Assist and track progress of groups who qualify the product such as reliability, EMC, and safety. Responsible for transitioning product to manufacturing and for working on cost reduction. Must be familiar with battery operated devices and power consumption estimation. Good communication, analytical, and documentation skills desired. May involve international travel to manufacturing sites.

BS/MS EE or equivalent required, as well as 5+ years experience needed. 3+ years in a lead role preferred. Experience in the following areas are important: SDRAM, Flash, ASIC’s, processor selection, ATAPI, various communication protocols (ie: GSM, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.116, Firewire, and USB), display types and video and analog integration.
 
I was thinking about this the other day...

iBook < PowerBook
iMac < PowerMac
iPod < ... PowerPod?

A smooth, cool aluminium Pod with lots of "pro" cababilities (like some video storage/video out, camera hookup, HTML renderer via AirPort/Bluetooth? etc etc). NOT a PDA, but something more "digital appliance" - the perfect companion to your PowerBook.

Just some ideas, but generally, where there's an iProduct, there's room for a PowerProduct.

Now PowerSight I'd like to see ;-)
 
I can't see them putting video on the ipod unless the screen size changed. The Archos is a great device in concept, but how much time would you spend looking at a video. My 320x480 Clie is perfect for video viewing, but I watch it as much since it's a major power drain.

What I do see is a color, 65k screen coming that will integrate with iPhoto and display photos plus album artwork of the selected track. With color lcd display prices so cheap, it really wouldn't cost Apple too much to invest in that direction. Then you would also see full integration with iCal in all its colors. I really do believe Apple does not want to get back into the PDA market, not now that that market is continually sagging.
 
Originally posted by sigamy
I don't care about viewing video on the iPod but video in and out ports and recording capability could turn the iPod into a portable Tivo. This could have both home and pro uses.

For home use, you could load the iPod with kids shows, plug it into the TV in the car for the next long road trip.

Or instead of exporting your iMovie or FCP project to DV or DVD you could export to the iPod and then view on a TV. Imagine a wedding videographer having drafts of 5 different wedding videos, he just takes his iPod to each client's house and can allow them to view the first draft.
Click to expand...

When I read this, I just sat back, closed my eyes, and invisioned just what you said. My only response is, 'brilliant!' (aside from the obvious - 'Apple, are you listening?')

Originally posted by Squire
I, too, would like to see more PDA-like features on an iPod. I think Apple missed out on the wave, though.
Click to expand...

PDA's, only a wave. Here, and gone.

__________________
now shipping - 15" 1.25 Powerbook! No frills, just the extras - iSight, Airport, and let's throw in some good speakers while we're at it.
 
Originally posted by coumerelli PDA's, only a wave. Here, and gone.
Click to expand...

Come on, now. To say that the notion of moving personal data on a small device is a "wave" is a little too quick of a brush off.

I'm sure of my status as UnGeek SuperDork when I say this: I don't give a rat's ass about cell phones. Neat stuff, but overpriced (phone and service). So along comes the iPod. Very capable of handling my personal data as well as my music (overpriced, too? yeah, but considering the existing capabilities and potential of the machine, it's easier for me to swallow such a price).

I say the PDA market's not dead. The market's finally getting a wake up call, that's all. A company like Apple can re-tool the whole idea of PDA and make it work via their existing success of the iPod -- simply by adding input functionality to the iPod. Inkwell capable screens, perhaps.
 
iPod improvements??

Personally, I hope this is more to improve existing functionality in the iPod rather than to add new capabilities. I love my iPod, but I have one major gripe: gaps in playback. As it currently stands, I can either have gapless playback by ripping an entire album to one track in iTunes or I can have the ability to skip around among individual tracks by ripping normally, but not both. I find it kind of ridiculous that a 20-year-old CD player can handle both of these tasks just fine, but a much more sophisticated device like the iPod can't.

I realize that most iPod users probably don't care enough about this and thus my feedback to Apple probably falls on deaf ears. But I can dream, right? 🙂 Honestly I think it would be fairly easy to do, but would require a slight change in the implementations of both iTunes and the iPod firmware. Simply allow iTunes to rip an album as a single gapless file, but also save an index of where all the tracks start, maybe as metadata within the file. Then either iTunes or the iPod can play the whole thing through as one continuous audio stream, but it can also show current track information and skip around within the file to different tracks.

Sounds like a perfect project for a junior software engineer. But then, I'm probably just crazy. They'll probably add new whiz-bang features to the next generation iPods and my gaps will haunt me forever... 🙄
 
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