Next: The talking iPod
When Apple introduced the iPod Shuffle player without a screen, some declared the device "the new radio." Now an Apple invention really could do away with on-air DJs once and for all. The Scotsman reports that Apple has patented text-to-speech conversion that lets iPods tell listeners the name of the band and track it's about to play. The computer-speech technology keeps listeners from having to glance down at the screen while exercising or driving -- and it could make screenless iPods like the Shuffle even more popular. MacDailyNews notes that Apple's Nike+iPod kit, which integrates iPods into a workout routine, already reads off pace and mileage information. Will this newfangled function give the iPod a boost in the face of increasing competition from challengers like Microsoft?
Posted by Owen Thomas 10:45 AM 0 Comments comment | Add a Comment

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Market indexes are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer LIBOR Warning: Neither BBA Enterprises Limited, nor the BBA LIBOR Contributor Banks, nor Reuters, can be held liable for any irregularity or inaccuracy of BBA LIBOR. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2012 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer The Dow Jones IndexesSM are proprietary to and distributed by Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use. All content of the Dow Jones IndexesSM © 2012 is proprietary to Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Chicago Mercantile Association. The market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2012. All rights reserved. Most stock quote data provided by BATS.