[TC]

Some ideas for upgrades to the curent iPod, things which can be done to current models.

firewire adaptors:
airport or bluetooth. Allow us to connect iPods without wires to our home stereo, car stereo, macs. With bluetooth we could also get relatively cheap wireless headsets.

software:

iJog - a stopwatch with basic stop/start + laps. Save the data in a format which can be imported straight into excel. Use the buttons on the remote for stop/start so you don’t get the iPod sweaty.

Allow us to store other info on the iPod, things like video collections. Use a standard format so we can store any data + retrieve it.

Give us simple text entry. I don't expect to be able to write pages and pages but it would be good if you could enter a telephone number or add an apointment. This should be possible using the scroller + buttons.

Another idea similar to the text entry but specifically to music, allow us to enter our music ratings on the iPod. If we can adjust the volume setting we should be able to use the scroller to change the rating of a song in a similar way.

Allow the iPod to transfer data from other devices, like video cameras, digital cameras or firewire media readers. Turns the iPod into a digital wallet.

That's about it for now. Anyone else have any ideas?

[TC]

Just bouncing this since I can't believe that with 39 views no one has anything else to add.

I was trying to push ideas for improving iPods of current iPod users, are you all so happy with them that you don’t need any more changes?

[art_director]

Originally posted by TC:
Some ideas for upgrades to the curent iPod, things which can be done to current models.

firewire adaptors:
airport or bluetooth. Allow us to connect iPods without wires to our home stereo, car stereo, macs. With bluetooth we could also get relatively cheap wireless headsets.

software:

iJog - a stopwatch with basic stop/start + laps. Save the data in a format which can be imported straight into excel. Use the buttons on the remote for stop/start so you don’t get the iPod sweaty.

Allow us to store other info on the iPod, things like video collections. Use a standard format so we can store any data + retrieve it.

Give us simple text entry. I don't expect to be able to write pages and pages but it would be good if you could enter a telephone number or add an apointment. This should be possible using the scroller + buttons.

Another idea similar to the text entry but specifically to music, allow us to enter our music ratings on the iPod. If we can adjust the volume setting we should be able to use the scroller to change the rating of a song in a similar way.

Allow the iPod to transfer data from other devices, like video cameras, digital cameras or firewire media readers. Turns the iPod into a digital wallet.

That's about it for now. Anyone else have any ideas?

i love the firewire adaptors suggestion.

i wouldn't use the ijog app.

i wouldn't use the text entry.

i have no desire to rate my music. after all, it's my music and i already know whether i like it / not.

using the ipod as a digital wallet would be GREAT. if only...

i would like to see the scroll wheel revised. i bought my ipod at the apple store the first day they were available. now my scroll wheel scrapes as it's turned.

i would like the harddrive to be easily upgradable -- doubt that will ever happen.

i would like the ipod to come in different colors.

i would like the ipod to light up like some cell phones -- not just the screen.

i would like to be able to change the type face on the screen of the ipod.

[slider]

Umm, to the previous poster, they did upgrade the iPod wheel to a touch pad.

Yes, I am that happy with my iPod. Many people have made suggestion about improvements, but they fall in line with making it into something else rather than an MP3 player. I think the biggest suggestion has been to add a tuner to it, it's not my personal choice as I don't really listen to radio if given a choice, but there seems to be demand for it.

Your idea, expanding the iPods storage capability is not a bad idea or supplying adaptors is ok too, but again, this is an MP3 player which has some perks. The idea that you had that I really like is the bluetooth, headset without wires, that would be perfect. Mostly, just try to keep making it small and greater battery life, for me it's as MP3 player with calendar.

[ja]

have a look at
http://forums.macnn.com/57/consumer-hardware-and-components/118631/next-step-for-ipod/

[backphat]

being able to edit your itunes library from your ipod. you load up a bunch of mp3's from the net and you put them all on your ipod to take with you.

later that day....

"wow, this weezer song is great...oh crap, it's incomplete! i guess i have to remember to delete it when i get home. OH WAIT! i can delete it from my ipod! i just push the center button twice and select DELETE from the menu. and when i get home the ipod will tell my imac to delete that song from my itunes library. hip hip hooray. i'm so happy...now if i only had a girlfriend."

[TC]

Originally posted by ja:
have a look at
http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.php?threadid=118631

Thanks but the main thing I was going for here was things that can be done to current iPods and not future directions for the iPod which I think is what the other thread was getting into.

The digital pen stuff was very interesting though, the idea of it being tied into inkWell to convert what you write sounds amazing.

[GORDYmac]

Being able to create playlists on the iPod would be cool--even if they were temporary. For instance, I walk every afternoon. I'd like to be able to create a playlist for what I want to hear that day.

Being able to "queue" the next song. Currently, I have to wait to wait 'til the song ends so that its play count gets updated. I'd like to be able to queue songs to be played. This could even take care of the temporary playlist noted above.

Other than those, I think it's perfect.

[TC]

Originally posted by GORDYmac:
Being able to "queue" the next song. Currently, I have to wait to wait 'til the song ends so that its play count gets updated. I'd like to be able to queue songs to be played.

Yep, I wish iTunes could do this as well.

[clarkgoble]

The next generation of iPods will hopefully have a microphone. I'd love to be able to take notes while in the car.

Being able to delete files on the iPod really is a big issue as well.

[DaKiwi2788]

Strangely enough, I was thinking about this today in class. Is it possible for an iPod to include XM radio? I know nothing about that, so it might not work, but wouldn't that be neat?! Like in iTunes where you can play the radio stations if you could do the same with the iPod

[G4ME]

Originally posted by DaKiwi2788:
Strangely enough, I was thinking about this today in class. Is it possible for an iPod to include XM radio? I know nothing about that, so it might not work, but wouldn't that be neat?! Like in iTunes where you can play the radio stations if you could do the same with the iPod

oh I think they would have to change the form a ton to fit in an attena for XM, but it would still be sweet, but I don't like the idea of XM altogether, paying 10 bucks amonth to get radio, when I have a ton of CDs that I like.

One cool way that it could be used, have a HDless (or really small) ipod with a GPS reciver and thats it, and it would be Rendevous compatable so you can access all of your files on the go, download the palylist and up date the playlist anytime you want, and endless suply of music on the go. now I could go for that.

[DaKiwi2788]

Originally posted by G4ME:


oh I think they would have to change the form a ton to fit in an attena for XM, but it would still be sweet, but I don't like the idea of XM altogether, paying 10 bucks amonth to get radio, when I have a ton of CDs that I like.

One cool way that it could be used, have a HDless (or really small) ipod with a GPS reciver and thats it, and it would be Rendevous compatable so you can access all of your files on the go, download the palylist and up date the playlist anytime you want, and endless suply of music on the go. now I could go for that.

Nice idea! I like that. I just thought it would be cool to somehow pick up good radio stations. It's not a problem for you people in big cities, but out here in the middle of nowhere, good radio is hard to come by. I would just like to put all of iTunes in my pocket.

[GORDYmac]

Oh, and add the ability to set ratings on the iPod. It currently can only be done in iTunes.

Also, how 'bout a feature that 'flags' a file. Either it could simply flag it, or it could assign a preset comment to it like "delete this song", "download remix version of this song", "re-rip this MP3", etc. Maybe these comments could be editable in iTunes? Anyway, you could then be prompted in iTunes that these songs are flagged.

[G4ME]

Originally posted by DaKiwi2788:


Nice idea! I like that. I just thought it would be cool to somehow pick up good radio stations. It's not a problem for you people in big cities, but out here in the middle of nowhere, good radio is hard to come by. I would just like to put all of iTunes in my pocket.

your telling me about bad radio reception, I have to have my wire from my reciver angles just right, its currently taped to the window, and if I move the window a bit all I get is static,

Also, we don't even get that On-star to work anyware except for the lower half of maine, which is really helpful when you live in Orono.

[vmpaul]

1) add an FM transmitter. There are add-ons for this now but having it built-in would be real cool. This would allow me to set it on a table or car seat and just tune in using the FM stereo in my home or car.

2) add FM/AM/TV radio. Just for the option.

3) Make/re-arrange playlists on the iPod. I don't know how you'd do this with the trackpad but...

4) replacable battery. It's gonna die someday. Used my MiniDisc for five years before the components broke. This battery won't last that long.

5) I like the next song queue idea. I'll second that.

6) record ability

[DaKiwi2788]

Originally posted by G4ME:


your telling me about bad radio reception, I have to have my wire from my reciver angles just right, its currently taped to the window, and if I move the window a bit all I get is static,

Also, we don't even get that On-star to work anyware except for the lower half of maine, which is really helpful when you live in Orono.

Hahahahahaha! Oh man! That sucks! I feel taunted with big city radio stations that are right outside our range. Indianapolis, Chicago, etc.

[Jansar]

Get a 100 GB hard drive, add a larger LCD screen (with color).

"100 movies in your pocket."

[DaKiwi2788]

Originally posted by Jansar:
Get a 100 GB hard drive, add a larger LCD screen (with color).

"100 movies in your pocket."

And then jack the cost up to a small fortune...

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Ok wouldn't bluetooth headphones be large and eat batteries like no tomorrow?

[G4ME]

Originally posted by Socially Awkward Solo:
Ok wouldn't bluetooth headphones be large and eat batteries like no tomorrow?

why would you want that, the ear buds are light as it is and you would only add weight and cost.

probably just as much as 900Mzh wireless Head phones

[idparkinson]

I would like iPod to have Airport built in.

[vmpaul]

Originally posted by G4ME:


why would you want that, the ear buds are light as it is and you would only add weight and cost.

probably just as much as 900Mzh wireless Head phones

Have you seen some of the headphones announced at Comdex? They look pretty comfortable. They're all for cell phones.

I think it would be pretty cool if there was a design that allowed you to attach them back to the iPod for carrying and re-charging.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Bluetooth in the iPod is dumb but Airport would be great, with Rendevous and iTunes 4 I would be 1 happy camper.

[craigthomas]

I vote Bluetooth. Then I could listen to my iPod, and get phone calls on my T68i with the same headpones. No more untangling the ear bud wires. Contacts and iCal could use iSync. Seems to tie into the Apple plan neatly doesn't it?

The next biggie? iPod that can play recorded TV shows/Video. Possibly work with the eyeTV somehow. This has to be in the future plans at Apple in some mannor.

[todd_sysanalyst]

How about something simple like... I can create an MPEG-2 audio-only "movie" with Quicktime Pro and store it and play it back with good old iTunes but not the iPod. I can't believe it but I CAN tell it's better. How about adding support for MPEG-2 playback?

How about MPEG-4? Hmmm? Knowing there is superior audio out there just pinches my creativity a bit. Andrew Manze breathes better in MPEG-2, Apple.

And could we add the Play Count feature of iTunes to the iPod so I can see how many times (or not) I've played that song? Many times I just want to hear stuff I haven't yet heard. I'd like to tell it to do THAT... And I'd like to delete tunes I've heard lots of times to make room for the new stuff (there's only 10Gigs, for krisake) and being able to see the play count in iTunes when I hook up -- and sort on it...!

I love the shuffle feature. I love that I can lock off the buttons. But when I hook up or when batts run down or there's random cosmic rays, the thing forgets where it was paused and the list of what shuffle has already played through--it gets amnesia and that pisses me off.

I tell people the TiBook is the best computer I've ever owned and the iPod is the world's greatest gizmo. Trust me, I'm cool. You should KNOW this. Right? And life is gooooood.

[G4ME]

For being your first post and already claming your self as cool, I am puting you in my Cocky Members folder.

BTW Steve lied to use when he anounced iTunes 3 and the new 1.2 update for the iPod, because he said it would copy the # of time you played a song from your iPod when it syncs but alas it doesn't.

[jparisi]

Originally posted by G4ME:
For being your first post and already claming your self as cool, I am puting you in my Cocky Members folder.

BTW Steve lied to use when he anounced iTunes 3 and the new 1.2 update for the iPod, because he said it would copy the # of time you played a song from your iPod when it syncs but alas it doesn't.

my playcounts sync up just fine.

I think you have to have it on autmatic sync, not manual.

[TC]

I now have my number 1 upgrade issue, make it work when you go jogging.
I started this thread while waiting for my iPod to be delivered but now after having it for 2 weeks I am trying to get a refund from Apple. I have been running with it 5 times and every time it stops after about 10 minutes, which leaves me with a 30 minute run holding a very expensive but useless iPod.

After the second time it happened I told my wife and she said "Looks like you need to buy the most expensive one there is to get it to work when you run", my reply "I just did!"

[atomium]

Originally posted by G4ME:
BTW Steve lied to use when he anounced iTunes 3 and the new 1.2 update for the iPod, because he said it would copy the # of time you played a song from your iPod when it syncs but alas it doesn't.

Works like a charm here. iSync syncs the play count. Then launch iTunes after iSync is done. Never a problem with it.

-atomium

[Glasspusher]

Here's one I've spent a fruitless morning on: Where the hell can I get a 20GB 1.8" HD to upgrade my girlfriend's original iPod? She's maxed out.

I looked in all the usual hard drive and computer parts haunts, did Google searches for Toshiba, but can't find a dealer for any 10 or 20GB 1.8" drives. VST has their FireFly drives, which use these 1.8" drives, I would consider a swap a reasonable solution, but strangely, they don't offer a Firewire 20GB version, just (ugh) USB 2.0 ones...

It's starting to seem like a conspiracy...if anyone knows where I could get one of these drives, I would be grateful.

Dave

[Nebrie]

Originally posted by Glasspusher:
Here's one I've spent a fruitless morning on: Where the hell can I get a 20GB 1.8" HD to upgrade my girlfriend's original iPod? She's maxed out.

I looked in all the usual hard drive and computer parts haunts, did Google searches for Toshiba, but can't find a dealer for any 10 or 20GB 1.8" drives. VST has their FireFly drives, which use these 1.8" drives, I would consider a swap a reasonable solution, but strangely, they don't offer a Firewire 20GB version, just (ugh) USB 2.0 ones...

It's starting to seem like a conspiracy...if anyone knows where I could get one of these drives, I would be grateful.

Dave

You can get them, but they cost just as much as a new iPod. USB or Firewire FireFlys don't matter. It's the same exact hard drive with a different plug attached to it. It will work.

XLR8Yourmac had a note from someone who did this. I think there was something he had to do/bend/twist/destroy to get it to fit into the ipod case.

[Glasspusher]

Right, I know they are the same drives _inside_ I'm just not interested in a USB 2.0 case because I can't use it on my Pismo.

Thanks for the xlr8 tip...

Dave


Originally posted by Nebrie:


You can get them, but they cost just as much as a new iPod. USB or Firewire FireFlys don't matter. It's the same exact hard drive with a different plug attached to it. It will work.

[greenG4]

RECORDING RECORDING RECORDING!! Live Digital recording into MP3 and AIFF would be nice. Really nice. Someone needs to invent something to attach to it...

[Tomster]

How about something really simple, like individual settings for different play lists. Shuffle is great for music, but not so good for audio book chapters. Having to switch each time I want to listen to either music or books not too bad, but it could be automated.