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Remote Access To iTunes Content Coming to iPhone & iPod touch?

Submitted by Michael Johnston on August 7, 2008 - 12:23pm.
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A new patent application filed by Apple describes a process which would allow users to remotely access music and videos located on their home computers over WiFi or cellular data networks. The system works by syncing iTunes metadata to the device, rather than the media itself. The metadata would list "virtual media items" which would represent every song, video, and playlist a user has in their iTunes library. Once selected, the file would be downloaded for local playback on the device.

In order for media to be remotely accessed, a user would be required to leave his or her computer on throughout the day. When a media file is requested, the computer would send it out to the device for playback. A user could also manage their iTunes library, giving them the ability to remotely edit, rearrange, add, or remove files on the go. If signal gets weak during transfers or changes, the software pauses the operation to protect the users media.

Additionally, Apple may also add some Zune-like capabilities to the iPhone and iPod touch. The system would allow users within a short distance of each other to communicate and share data using their various devices.

The new capabilities could be pushed out in the next iPhone or iPod touch software update, in combination with an update to iTunes.

[via AppleInsider]

podcasts updates?

Submitted by Unregistered (not verified) on August 7, 2008 - 1:27pm.
sounds like this will be the way we can finally get an update to a podcast subscription on the go without a refresh in itunes and a sync on our phones. if it is hallelujah!!

I bet this new product/service is ORB in disguise!

Submitted by Unregistered (not verified) on August 7, 2008 - 1:42pm.
Since the release of the 3G, the ORB folks have been tight lipped about a new version of thier amazing audio/video streaming product for the 3G. There was a blurb in thier forums that they are trying to get the App into the iTunes App store but I dont think that will ever happen. Or perhaps Apple has seen Orb and like what they see and are stealing the idea!

We will wait and see.

Why?

Submitted by madscientest on August 7, 2008 - 6:24pm.
Why all the fuss about over the air this, over the air that! I DONT GET IT. its the same concept as the stupid mobile me. I see the concept but dont see a use for it!

if im at home on my network i will listen to my music from my computer thru my home stereo(hooked up thru network) and when im away i use my iphone to listen to music. why would i want to browse all my music i have at home a dl them one by one. way to time consuming and pointless.

On a different topics, i believe that todays kids are going to have absolute ZERO social skills because they are glued to a device for communications. this is why im so against sites like face book and myspace.

Submitted by catfacts (not verified) on August 16, 2008 - 12:58pm.
facebook is pointless, I only keep a profile because of the photos app, however not all social tech is bad. I've made better friendships with people on IRC, mainly because it exposes em to a larger group of people. More importantly ones who share my overboard obsession with tech. So try not to hate on stuff to much.

Remote Access to iTunes Content

Submitted by KDC (not verified) on August 16, 2008 - 9:32pm.
This already exists for all iTunes content. It's called Simplify Media and is free right now in App Store. By adding software to you computer, you can access your entire iTunes playlist and music from iPhone! Not only that, but you can search by artist, music type or albums. Finally, it even has a featured that will show you the lyrics of songs that it has in the database (way more than you would imagine). That's my favorite feature.

You can also email friends to have them join up and you can share and access up to 30 other friends iTunes library too. This works over wifi, 3G or edge connections. I used mine today with a tape deck to audio jack connection and it sounded very clear in my car. So, I don't have to take up space on my phone with music. It is only lacking video right now, once that feature is added - this will be the greatest app.