November 15, 2006 If Apple Computer gets any more innovative and influential, it might be worth asking if they have any ideas on how to deal with the Iraq war, global warming and the spread of HIV – let’s face it, they couldn’t help but improve the current efforts. Anyway, we digress. Apple yesterday announced it is teaming up with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United to deliver the first seamless integration between iPod and in-flight entertainment systems beginning in mid 2007. These six airlines will begin offering their passengers iPod seat connections which power and charge their iPods during flight and allow the video content on their iPods to be viewed on the their seat back displays. Where’s the innovation you might ask? It’s in locking in their iPod in all the places that count when you’re not at home – they’ve already announced dozens of automotive integration agreements - more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod connectivity. Additionally, Apple is working with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to bring even more leading airlines in-flight iPod connectivity in the future.
Apple iPod Integration with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM & United
The iPod ecosystem continues to flourish with more than 3,000 accessories made specifically for iPod that range from fashionable cases to speaker systems, and with nearly 70 million iPods sold, the iPod is the world’s most popular digital music and portable video player and the iTunes Store is the number one online music store with over 1.5 billion songs purchased and downloaded worldwide.
