What new growth from old ideas spring?

What do I want to achieve on my Mac which is almost possible, but remains just short of reality. It could be "oh so good if only..."

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

iPod connect



Well everyone is trying to second guess what Apple will do in early January, so here is my contribution to the "what" of "possibilities" for the New Year 2007.

iPhone (iPod) predictions

(December 2006)
Actually these are iPod predictions. Why call it a phone? Just add functions to an iPod with something like an iPod Connect moniker and build on the successful name and market share.

Telephone
Ringtones from iTunes. Mobile phone through SIM card (any network). VOIP via Skype and iChat using voice and video with iSight camera built in to the phone combined with auto connection to wireless network or hardwire USB to Mac (and PC).

iPod (Advanced)
An iPod with input mechanism for text (keyboard) and numbers (phone requirement) and calculator/unit convertor etc with internet lookup for currency conversion, in fact a palmtop PDA by any other name.

Email access (blackberry style) via phone connection and wireless access (Airport). See December release of developer update to Tiger requesting refinements for sync functions.

Camera
Video capabilities as a webcam to replace the missing independent iSight camera. The "screen as camera" patents could allow video to work from the iPod Connect without a separate lens device. All it needs is a bracket to hang it on your monitor.

Try video blogging from your phone direct to the web via Google video/ Youtube connection.

Palmtop/PDA
Many palmtop functions are synced with Mac apps already on the iPod. An input mechanism would enable these functions to be live and mobile. (See "iPod Advanced" above)

Games
With evidence of games developer recruitment for the Mac it is possible to imagine the social interaction of Youtube and Myspace for video and music could be further cemented with network gaming via iPod Connect. Use iTunes Music Store to sell games and connect wirelessly via Airport for a shared gaming experience.