macnn/ipodnn

12/20/2007, 11:20am, EST

Thursday, December 20th

Apple designs next generation iPod Boombox

A new patent filed by Apple describes a next generation digital device called the iPod Boombox, or simply the Boombox. Proof of the Cupertino-based company's plans surfaced today in a patent published by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, wherein Apple describes the device as having a display or user interface in the center of the face panel. An Apple Remote associated with the Boombox will allow users to interact with the device via an application like Front Row, while volume control buttons on the chassis itself provide physical control. [updated with photo]

The housing of Apple's latest invention offers an indicator light to provide visual feedback about the operation or condition of the host device, and could include a receiver window for use by a receiver internal to the housing when picking up wireless transmissions from a remote control.

The iPod will fit into the Boombox the same way it fits into the company's iPod Hi-Fi, allowing users to play video content and possibly games as well.


Filed under: iPod, Apple, audio
Other story tags: digital, patent

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Guys, that IS the Hi-Fi
0
12/20, 12:47pm, EST
Patent drawings are always so blocky and awkward-looking, but what you are showing here IS the Apple Hi-Fi, right down to the indicator light and the plus and minus button (though they ended up in a different location).

This is not a new product.

You didn't read it all!
0
12/20, 1:36pm, EST
You obviously missed the display part! It will display cover flow and movies both!
Forum Regular
Joined May 2001
User is offline
what's the point
0
12/20, 2:17pm, EST
If you buy an Apple Tv you can stream movies, music, and photos to your television. Similarly, you can get an iPod that will be your "on the go" stereo. The Apple Hi-Fi was too expensive for most and was hyped at a time when everyone had their music somewhere in their house. It is only a matter of time when the stereo is phased out of existence. I have not owned one since the late 1990s. Maybe they will come out with something that people are willing to buy like a game console.
Senior User
Joined Nov 2002
User is offline
original guest was right.
0
12/20, 2:45pm, EST
might want to take down this story to avoid emberassment. That's the hifi. not only is it not new, its discontinued.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Apr 2007
User is offline
See the screen
0
12/20, 3:10pm, EST
This one has a screen in it #118 on the figure, That is pretty much all that is different from this HiFi and the original HiFi, Not sure how they can patent this though.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
User is offline
Re: what's the point
0
12/20, 3:22pm, EST
If you buy an Apple Tv you can stream movies, music, and photos to your television.

Great, if the only place you want your music is where your TV is.

Similarly, you can get an iPod that will be your "on the go" stereo.

Great, unless you want others to hear your music.

The Apple Hi-Fi was too expensive for most and was hyped at a time when everyone had their music somewhere in their house.

What, an Apple product 'too expensive'? Nah, I bet you weren't comparing it to like products with the same features.

It is only a matter of time when the stereo is phased out of existence. I have not owned one since the late 1990s. Maybe they will come out with something that people are willing to buy like a game console.

I'm starting to wonder if you even know what the Apple Hi-Fi is. Do you not understand that the Apple Hi-Fi was basically a portable speaker system for your iPod? It's not a 'stereo' (whatever you're considering a stereo). So you can take your music with you to a party and rock the house down! Or take it to a friends. Or the beach. Or off on a boat while you go drinking and vomiting...um...I mean fishing.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
User is offline
this is perfect
0
12/20, 5:03pm, EST
I was just thinking a couple days ago that Apple needs to reintroduce the Hi-Fi, but with capability to stream from local iTunes shares wirelessly. My wife likes to carry around portable stereo to listen to music in whatever room she's in. But using an iPod is clunky for this purpose, and only offers a limited music selection and no internet radio. This future product fits the bill exactly.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Apr 2007
User is offline
Holy crap
0
12/20, 6:13pm, EST
I forgot the Apple Hi-Fi even existed. When did they discontinue it? I remember thinking it was lame when it was introduced and then I just completely forgot about it.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jul 2006
User is offline
Roku Soundbridge Radio
0
12/20, 6:15pm, EST
Roku Soundbridge Radio can be had for $299. It does everything you guys want except it is not from Apple. I have not personally heard one but my in-laws have the Roku Soundbridge ($150) and it is pretty good. The soundbridge Radio is an all in one boom box (with built-in subwoofer). It has AM/FM tuner, 802.11 wifi, built-in vacuum flourescent display, internet radio, ability to access iTunes shares (no DRM AAC though), and even Rhapsody and WMA stuff. It can connect to internet radio without the computer being on. This is the kind of product iPod Hifi should have been.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Feb 2001
User is offline
Old patent
0
12/20, 7:03pm, EST
Sometimes patents can take quite a while before they are granted.
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