iPod Encoding?

I thought the iPod already had recording capability built in--like that hack that was floating around to enable a brief test recording. The add-on recording unit doesn't actually digitize, I don't think, it just provides a mic and enabled an otherwise hidden part of the iPod software. The iPod itself still does the encoding, right?

So this rumor may really be just about encoding into alternative formats not currently used for voice memos?

In any case, the PortalPlayer chip already does plenty that the iPod doesn't support--like WMA (and Ogg Vorbis?) playback and CD burning.

I'm still looking forward to the 4G iPod though!

Yep, the PP5002 in the existing iPod models already supports real-time encoding to MP3 and WMA, so a newer chipset doesn't necessarily mean that encoding would be made available to the end user.

Are we getting a step closer to color LCD displays?
PDA's went colour, mobile phones went colour, it's about time the ipod went colour.

I would like to see a flash card reader built-in as well as mic and audio in. The third-party solutions are too bulky and I understand the card reader was poorly implemented as far as speed. Maybe those features are to hard to have built-in without increasing the size. Personally, I would like to see an Apple phone rather than a new iPod if the iPod is just going to focus on music anyways.

Frankly, I'd be happy if they just dropped the prices on the 3rd gen iPods (and the iPod mini) $50 across the board and called it a day, so I could stop taking flak for being a "rich bitch" every time I suggest the iPod to someone.

Argh.

--Cless

Are we getting a step closer to color LCD displays?
PDA's went colour, mobile phones went colour, it's about time the ipod went colour.

There is no practial use of color screens, aside from photo viewing. Movies would take too much battery. and the resolution would be too poor fro photos. if the battery life is eight hours now, it would be three with the color screen. If battery life is a strong issue now, think of a 4 hour battery! :mad: NO SALES! I say, go with better encoding!!:D
~Nate13

enconding on the go? i dunno maybe if it doesnt affect battery life which isnt stellar but still good then go for it

There is no practial use of color screens, aside from photo viewing. Movies would take too much battery. and the resolution would be too poor fro photos. if the battery life is eight hours now, it would be three with the color screen. If battery life is a strong issue now, think of a 4 hour battery! :mad: NO SALES! I say, go with better encoding!!:D
~Nate13

Isn't "good looks" reason enough to add color screens? If a average consumer goes in a store and sees a color screen, I'm sure that person will be more impressed than a black & white screen. Apple is likely to add more built-in games in the future. Might as well make them color games. Maybe the iPod can display album covers as it plays music.

I don't think it will drain the battery as much as you fear. The only thing that might bother an average consumer is the added price. But if Apple can find a cheap, reliable vendor, I'd say go for it.

Yep, the PP5002 in the existing iPod models already supports real-time encoding to MP3 and WMA, so a newer chipset doesn't necessarily mean that encoding would be made available to the end user.

In another one the 4th gen iPod speculation threads, someone said that a lot the features getting talked about (other than, obviously, the color screen) could be accomplished via firmware upgrades and/or via a new dock. Given that the portalplayer chip already supports so many of these features, I'm optimistic that apple will be able to at least bring the 3g owners along for a big part of the 4th gen ride. How great would that be-- it would sure take a lot of the sting out of having paid $400-$500, and the PR for apple would be incredible.

If I had to add anything to the iPod it would be text input and a build it mic. That way you can record without any attachments, and adding and editing contacts and notes would be done right on the Pod.

Color screens may be nice, but only if it does not kill the battery. My 2nd gen 20GB will play as much as 12-13 hours if left alone on random. The new ones sometimes don't even meet their advertised battery specs. If Color screens bring that down any, then thats not good. Besides, a whole new inteface would need to be inplemented. The current simple, easy to use iPod interface would not look any better in color.

My 2¢.