Comments on: iPod to get built-in iTrip?

Apple files patent application for technology that would allow iPods to wirelessly transmit audio files to FM radios.

[regulator1956]

Patentable ??

Adding a feature (RDS) to someone else's invention (short-range FM broadcasting) is not a valid patent.

Apple may be doing this to limit others from doing the same - lawsuits are very expensive - but patentable ??

[binaryspiral75]

You can patent improvements

You can patent improvements of an already existing patent.

I'm not a lawyer... but I play one in a low traffic forum.

[binaryspiral75]

So what...?

FM modulation still makes already compressed music sound even worse. Lower fidelity, competition with local stations... blah.

However, tapping RDS functionality would be slightly cooler to have the info on my radio... hrmm - lets play wait and see.

[alek_nedic]

Lower fidelity

http://www.analogstereo.com/mercedes_s_class_owners_manual.htm

[indrakanti]

What apple should be doing..

is to include FM radio functionality in the iPod. No, I am not happy
with the $49 external FM radio module. I know, they want to push
their podcasting downloads on iTunes music store, but in built FM
radio is much cooler. Besides, many companies already have
enough FM transmitter accessories.