Rumor: Talking Apple iPod in the Works
By Alexander Grundner |
July 11th, 2006
Comments (3)
Seriously, this news has as much appeal as the next model of my vacuum being able to talk to me. However, if the new iPod were able to recite downloaded eBooks or webpages, then that’s a feature that may hold some value (though that could get annoying for long sittings). But alas, the purpose of the feature is to give users audible announcements about song titles, performers, or albums in queue – a safety feature for navigating the dangerous streets. Spare me.
UPDATE: Gizmodo links to a Scotsman.com post which states text-to-speech might be a possibility along with a few other outlandish claims like famous actors/musicians later offering custom voice overs for the device. Oh, yea… Gwen Stefani is talking me.
July 13th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Actually, that sounds like a feature I’d be interested in. I think you’re underestimating how many people want to use thier ipod (or any other mp3 player) in the car. Have you not seen how many FM transmitters are on the shelves?
As discussed in the article it is difficult to view the screen while driving. there are other control add-ons for the car, but they are either costly and/or severely limit control of the ipod. I’ve spent way too much thinking about how to solve this issue. (The wife has threaten to ban my ipod use in the car for fear I’m going to get in an accident)
Having audible cues of where you are in the menu structure would solve the problem quite well since you could keep your eyes on the road instead of on your ipod.
Text to speech would be a big part of it as it would need to read song titles and such. Although I agree that celebrity voices would be gimmicky.
I’d be surprised if the ipod added a speaker, surely it sends the audible cue through the headphone jack.
Your comment about ebooks seems kinda silly. why wouldn’t you just get an audiobook?
I understand your dislike for apple/ipod, but this is a strong feature that will probably be copied by other mp3 players, IMO.
July 13th, 2006 at 12:43 pm
You almost convinced me with the voice cue features being helpful in car situations. But if you’re still going to have to operate the device with your hands, how is that any better? If the iPod was able to TAKE voice commands while you’re driving then you would be 100% correct. BTW, I don’t “dislike” Apple products. I just don’t see the big deal in having my portable player talk to me — no matter who makes it. Of course, maybe I’m not seeing the revolutionary ways this can be useful.
Anyone have any ideas on how this would improve their user experience?
Side note: I just added webpages along with eBooks to the original post.
July 13th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
I hate talking to computers…they make me feel like a dork, so that wouldn’t be a plus for me. And the ipod is easy to operate with one hand. I personally don’t mind holding it, though there are plenty of cradles on the market too.
But now you’ve got me thinking about how text to speech could be done. Honestly, there’s no reason why that couldn’t be done now with existing ipods…or itunes I should say. An updated version of itunes could have text to speech built in and simply embed the song title/ artist audio cues into the index. Then upgrade the ipod firmware (I would think you could) for the standard menu audio cues and audio cues for the audio files. Sounds fairly simple anyway.
As for webpages, I would start by adding an RSS feed to podcast converter program. That would go along way. For other pages or text, you’d have to do some cut and paste or some built in browser. yuck.
While I’m running at the mouth, why hasn’t somebody come with an RSS feed to podcast converter program. That would be cool. Probably not as simple at sounds, but I’m sure somebody big enough could develop standards to get it done.