Apple continues to break ground with its iPod integration and from teaming up with several major car manufacturers to introduce better iPod support with coming models Apple has now turned to airlines across the globe. Apple has made agreements with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United to develop an effective integration of iPods on the companies’ airplanes.
“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.”
With the new iPod compatibility travelers will be able to play their iPod movies and TV episodes on the displays located in the headrests of the seats. Already in the middle of 2007 the iPod support will be available at six airline companies and Apple is already working on making more companies interested in the concept. Exactly what the physical connection will be between the airplane and the iPod isn’t clear yet. The question remains though whether this is something strictly dedicated for iPods or if also other portable multimedia players can be used in similar ways. Anyhow, this really shows what Microsoft is going up against with Zune. iPod isn’t just a product but a huge brand.
