iPods

Once again proving that you can’t keep anything hidden from a determined geek, AppleInsider, via one of their members, has dissected the latest iPod firmware to get an idea as to what Apple has planned for future iterations. As it turns out, the latest iPod firmware makes pointed references to both phone and instant messenger system calls, meaning that the vaunted Wi-Fi-enabled iPod might not be as far away as we think.

The new firmware makes reference to a number ‘t_feature_app_PHONE_APP,” “kPhoneSignalStrength,” “clPhoneCallHistoryModel,” prPhoneSettingsMenu,” “prPhoneSettingsMenuView,” prPhoneEnab ileSetting” and “prPhoneMenuItem.” Most of these are self-explanitory: checking the phone’s signal strength, interfacing with a phone application (iCaller?), call history, phone preferences, etc. The new firmwre also includes calls for interfacing with an IM application (most likely the next version of iChat), meaning that we could also see an IM-enabled iPod with the next release.

We won’t know anything for certain until Apple releases new details on their upcoming iPods, but new concepts like this could account for the delays in shipping the next-generation of Apple’s popular music player. With the Microsoft Zune quickly approaching with an impressive feature set, Apple needs to do something drastic to make sure that their iPods don’t get left in the dust. Phone functionality and IM should do the trick, don’t ya think?
[via Apple Insider]