Steve Jobs is apparently pushing hard to make the next generation iPods capable of this type of wireless sync, according to Cult of Mac‘s sources. iPods with wireless sync would make the USB cable obsolete. Instead of importing music, movies and apps through Apple’s iconic 30-pin connector, it would automatically sync whenever a user was connected to his or her Wi-Fi network.
There are more than a few problems standing in Apple’s way, though. Big questions still loom about the reliability and signal strength of wireless syncing, and apparently it can be a drain on battery life. To address those issues, the world’s most valuable tech company has been allegedly testing iPods with carbon fiber c ases, rather than the aluminum used in most of the company’s iPods.
Adding fuel to the fire, Apple has also recently hired Kevin Kenney, a senior composites engineer with expertise in carbon fiber. Apparently he has worked with Apple in the past and has even been named in some of Apple’s patents.
One caveat to the carbon fiber rumors, though: the stuff is conductive and presents its own set of problems to transmitting wireless signals. Of course, nobody really knows what type of designs Apple may or may not be testing with the next-generation iPod, because nobody knows what Apple has up its sleeve.
AirPlay and the War Against Wires
It’s no secret that Apple wants to decrease its reliance on wires, especially as it tries to shape a post-PC world. You can bet Steve Jobs doesn’t like that the iPhone and iPad still have to plug into a Mac or PC to function.
To create its world without wires, Apple has been working hard on improving...
