Apple Patent Covers Wireless iTunes Distribution

So many Apple patents, so many rumors. Recently, another Apple patent was spotted and this time it is about the possibility of wireless iTunes Distribution. Although the patent was filed in December 2004, it was only discovered lately (by hardworking snoops, just kidding). It describes an invention that allows cellphone or wireless handheld users to interact with an online music store, such as iTunes, and to “bookmark” the songs or videos they want. The patent also allows the bookmarked songs to be downloaded to a PC at a later time; but if bandwidth permits, users might be able to download the song or file directly to their phone.

It seems that the invention appears to be a way for Apple to capture revenue from consumers with short attention spans. Like the always on-the-go executive who hears a song, loved it, and might want to purchase that tune right away, but by the time they get back to their PC, they’ve forgotten the name of the song or the artist. Surprisingly, more than a year has passed, and this patent hasn’t materialized just yet. But then again, Apple always guarantees unexpected treats for their consumers, so all we can do is wait and see what comes next from the Steve Jobs camp.

So many Apple patents, so many rumors. Recently, another Apple patent was spotted and this time it is about the possibility of wireless iTunes Distribution. Although the patent was filed in December 2004, it was only discovered lately (by hardworking snoops, just kidding). It describes an invention that allows cellphone or wireless handheld users to interact with an online music store, such as iTunes, and to “bookmark” the songs or videos they want. The patent also allows the bookmarked songs to be downloaded to a PC at a later time; but if bandwidth permits, users might be able to download the song or file directly to their phone.

It seems that the invention appears to be a way for Apple to capture revenue from consumers with short attention spans. Like the always on-the-go executive who hears a song, loved it, and might want to purchase that tune right away, but by the time they get back to their PC, they’ve forgotten the name of the song or the artist. Surprisingly, more than a year has passed, and this patent hasn’t materialized just yet. But then again, Apple always guarantees unexpected treats for their consumers, so all we can do is wait and see what comes next from the Steve Jobs camp.