Chicago (IL) – The iPhone may not be the only wireless music player device Apple will be releasing this year. The company is planning to launch a Wi-Fi iPod later this year as well, DigiTimes reports.

 

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There were no further details on the player available, besides the fact that Universal Scientific Industrial (USI) will provide the Wi-Fi modules and Foxconn will assemble the player. According to DigiTimes, USI will be shipping the Wi-Fi component this month, while Foxconn may be able to ship the Wi-Fi iPod in the third quarter of this year.

Following Microsoft with the integration of a Wi-Fi may not be so much of a technology challenge but will require a well thought out business strategy how to take advantage of wireless connectivity: Microsoft was first to offer this feature but enabled only limited sharing of music between different Zune devices. Copyright issues crippled the Zune’s Wi-Fi functionality and largely reduced this feature to a marketing phrase.  

On a technology side, the integration of a Wi-Fi module will require Apple to either increase the battery capacity of the iPod – or reduce overall power consumption in order to maintain the battery life iPod users have become used to. Apple has been rumored for some time to transition its video iPods to flash memory and we wouldn’t be too surprised if the company dropped the 1.8” hard drive models in favor of 32 GB and 64 GB flash iPods when introducing the Wi-Fi feature.

The big question will be how Apple will be taking advantage of a Wi-Fi feature. At this time, a simple wireless data transfer appears to be much more likely than music sharing, especially if Apple is offering DRM-free music through its iTunes music store.

DigiTimes said that Microsoft and Apple will not be the only companies to offer Wi-Fi music players. Sandisk already showcased a Wi-Fi enabled device at the most recent CES, while sources indicated that Samsung and Sony are currently preparing the launch of wireless MP3 players.

Apple Fans?

Apr 13, 2007 10:52     

Apple Fans acuse Microsoft of stealing ideas from them
dobby156 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: Apple Fans?

Apr 13, 2007 11:41     

My thoughts exactly, more proof that nearly every product on the market has been copied from something else; it happens with everyone, not just microsoft.
al report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: Apple Fans

Apr 13, 2007 12:34     

I agree. If there's a good feature out there, implement it. Who cares if someone else did it first. It may not be innovation of a brand new feature, but companies can improve an already existing technology. Technically, if Apple does this right, they could innovate wi-fi in mp3 players and make life easier for everyone. Same goes for any other company out there.
sam report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Gremlin was originator

Apr 13, 2007 15:53     

Apple did not steal idea from Microsoft. The Gremlin player was before both companies.
Jake report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Archos Imitator

Apr 14, 2007 06:55     

Archos is the established market leader. As the iPhone & Zune debacles show, just adding a feature does not make a good device.
kitty report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

re: Apple Fans?

Apr 15, 2007 08:23     

Allow me to bait the MS fans for a moment... Maybe the Zune was the first "big" player to offer wifi but they just did it so incredibly bad. There was just no positive aspect in that gimmick for the customer. And, Gremlin? Archos? This is what you hold up as a shining beacon of innovation? And, kitty, how could the iPhone possibly be a debacle? It's not even on the market yet!!! Talk about a rush to judgement.... Now, I'm going to just go run for cover. ;-)

Rob report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

This is why competition is good

Apr 15, 2007 14:13     

For the same reason the computer industry needs Apple, The portable player industry need Microsoft(Zune). Apple needs to have a potential equal developing features to keep it improving its products. Apple's computer design especially laptops and operating systems has spurred the industry leaders to improve theirs.
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The AnitoKid Chronikos

Apr 16, 2007 04:57     

Investment banks support AAPL's decision to delay the debut of Leopard in light of the perceived future success of the iPhone, and the delay may be a preview of AAPL's plans to build full support for Vista into the Leopard version of Boot Camp, which will ultimately strengthen AAPL's position in the market. AAPL knows its markets well, particularly for the upcoming iPhone, i.e., the firm knows that it has a major strategic advantage over other mobile phone manufacturers (iTunes and license deals). AAPL may also be positioning itself to take full advantage of wireless connectivity with its various advantages and surpassing its initial sales estimates for the iPhone because after all, it's making the shareholders happy that is important in the short term AND sustaining that happiness in the long run (and this is where Leopard comes in, i.e., an OS with no bugs and a full support for the Vista). www.anitokid.blogspot.com

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