Airlines may integrate iPod, iTunes
updated 12:55 pm EDT, Tue April 11, 2006
Airline iTunes integration
Apple has been in talks with Aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system providers about the possibility of licensing iTunes software for airline systems, according to one report. The deal would allow passengers to download videos and music to iPods in-flight, while several airlines have requested building iPod docks into seatbacks, enabling passengers to browse the iTunes Music Store via the airline's IFE system before transferring music directly onto an MP3 player. Suppliers such as Panasonic and Thales are exploring various concepts to accommodate airline requests for an expansion of on-board applications, according to Flight International. "We've had lots of discussions with Apple," Brad Foreman, vice-president and in-flight systems general manager of Thales said. "The key is to get them to see the value of hosting iTunes on an aircraft. Is it a big enough market for them to be interested in? I'd try to do it tomorrow if they said yes."
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Joined: Feb 2006
So?
This blows my mind a little bit; some airlines have had on-demand video for a while. Why I would plug my ipod in, then pay money to watch a video on my 2 inch screen instead of pay no money to watch a video on the 7 inch screen that's in front of my face anyway I'm not sure. I suppose you'd have more choice, and Apple could make money on it. But does this mean airline entertainment will only be available to those with iPods in the future?