Apple patents iPod audio navigation tags
updated 07:35 pm EDT, Thu May 4, 2006
iPod audio navigation
In another filing revealed today, Apple patented a system for automatic generation of audio navigation tags for an iPod. The tags would provide audio cues to navigating and selecting songs without viewing the iPod display. The tags could be used while driving, jogging, or during other activities when the iPod is not easily or conveniently accessible. According to Unwired View, the tags are generated from the metadata of music or video files. Appended automatically by many music services and audio programs, metadata contains the text-based informaion such as author, song name and duration, film director or lead actor name, etc. This text information is then converted using text-to-speech software into a small audio files--audio navigation tags--on your PC.
"By dynamically generating audio tags in iTunes on your computer when song is downloaded or playlist is created and then synchronizing it with the iPod, Apple is able to make audio navigation as easy to use and update as current text navigation system," according to the report. "And since no hardware and navigation control changes are necessary, audio navigation can be added to current iPods through simple software update."
Which ones?
05/05, 07:05am reply
Which "current iPods" will be supported? Why do I get the feeling it'll only be the most recent ones?
Geobunny
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Oct 2000
Cool
05/05, 09:15am reply
I use my iPod in my car, and if this will keep my eyes on the road more, it's a good thing.
And when they say "current iPods", it's a fairly safe bet that refers to what they're selling right now, and not Minis or older full-sized models.
Zaren
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
About Time!
05/05, 01:14pm reply
It is about time. I worked as an apple campus rep and had a first gen ipod early on. There was some sort of feature request/feedback site that Apple had. I submitted this feature idea literally years ago.
swatson
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000
Well, um, yeah...
05/05, 03:56pm reply
geobunny said, "Which "current iPods" will be supported? Why do I get the feeling it'll only be the most recent ones?"
I think that's a safe bet as the definition of "current" would be the iPods currently being sold.
macshome
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2002
Apple should
05/07, 01:24pm reply
Apple should keep support for older iPods, because some people just can't afford to buy a new one just for one or 2 new features. Not all of them mind you, but maybe one or 2 revisions back.
Fast iBook
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2003