Apple Wins Patent on Bluetooth Headset with Built-in MP3 Player

An Apple patent that was granted this week displays a wireless audio headset that connects via Bluetooth could have an integrated mp3 player in the same device. The patent titled ‘Wireless headset with integrated media player’, shows that either a headphone or earpiece Bluetooth headset could be used as an mp3 player even while not paired up with another device like an iPhone or iPod.

By incorporating Apple’s current earbuds which contain built-in microphones, the headset could also be used to perform other audio related tasks like recording a conversation after which it could be downloaded onto another device. The patent in question here shares the design of a Bluetooth headset that Apple sold back in 2007 but has been discontinued since. The similarities do beg the question is Apple is pondering a re-return to the Bluetooth headset industry or whether it is just protecting its previous creation from the grubby paws of tech robbers.

From the patent, we can assume that if Apple do intend on introducing the device, it would have the interesting advantage of not requiring it to be connected to another device which might affect the sales of its portable music line; the iPod. We can imagine however that since it does not require any connection Bluetooth or wired, it would not be a battery guzzling beast. The headset can reportedly also be sold as either a Bluetooth earpiece that sits in one ear or as stereo headphones.

One last interesting observation that was made by the folks over at Wired states that since the headset would have a built-in microphone, there is a possibility of the device having the capability of being controlled via voice. Although full-fledged Siri being embedded on the device seems very remote, a simple voice control would definitely be possible. With volume sensors installed the device is even capable of adjusting volume levels depending on the ambient noise levels in the user’s current environment. Although there have been rumors of a new iPod coming out this year, it has largely been dwindling away. This device though seems to be an interesting enough replacement for it. What do you think about the patent? Would you prefer this over your iPod or other mp3 player?

Pradeep Chandrasekaran
Categories: Apple, Audio
Tags: Patent