Rumors of Wi-Fi iPod make rounds
updated 01:15 pm EDT, Wed August 16, 2006
Rumors of Wi-Fi iPod
A new report suggests that Apple will soon launch an iPod boasting wireless capabilities to compete with Microsoft's Zune player, which is expected to launch by years' end. The Cupertino-based company has begun dispatching its staff to its major markets in Asia in an effort to teach local sales employees how to demonstrate the new product, according to DigiTimes. Apple Taiwan denied the claims, however. The report follows suggestions by industry observers that the iPod-maker should debut a Wi-Fi-capable portable media player with increased storage capacity and further platform compatibility to compete with rival players. Earlier this year, Microsoft was rumored to be contemplating wireless connectivity for its forthcoming Zune player; however, a recent report suggests it will have limited WiFi functionality and require a PC for music purchase.
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Joined: Nov 2001
to compete with "Zune"?
a non-existent product, with ill-defined features. Unless the device can be used to access the iTunes Music Store directly without the need to run iTunes on a Mac or PC, I see no point in adding Wi-Fi to an iPod. The ability for non-techy music lovers to use an iPod (or any digital music player) without a computer would be MAJOR breakthough. If Apple is not doing this, an iPod accessory maker should work with Apple to make it happen.
But an iPod (or Zune) that has Wi-Fi, just as an alternative connection method between device and computer... I wouldn't want the extra expense, size, and weight.