In the wake of the forthcoming and buzzed-about digital music player from competitor Microsoft, Apple is staying on top of their game by patenting an iPod that talks (Gizmodo via Scotsman). The sixth and latest generation of their MP3 player might feature sophisticated software that employs text-to-speech technology to convert an album’s details into recognizable sound files. The device will be able to accurately deliver even the most obscure band monikers, track names, and album titles to users, and it will say this information just before a new song plays. Users will no longer have to look down at the screen while selecting music, and it’s designed for those engaged in such “eyes-busy situations” as “driving an automobile, exercising, and crossing the street,” Apple’s patent states. Of course, lots of companies patent technologies that never come to pass.
Talk: Do you want your iPod to talk to you? COMMENT
On the Web: apple.com
