In-Flight IPOD Connectivity

Status
Not open for further replies.

Shano

Established Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2006
Posts
1,232
This article is from todays Australian

The Australian said:
Apple plugs into air travel

From correspondents in San Francisco November 15, 2006

SIX major airlines are modifying jets so that iPods can be plugged into in-flight entertainment systems, beginning in mid-2007.

Apple said today that Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United Airlines would offer iPod seat connections to power MP3 players and allow films or other videos from the devices to be watched on seat-back screens.

But an Air France spokeswoman said it was premature to announce an iPod tie-up.

"We cannot confirm this agreement. We are waiting for the project to be farther along, but this cooperation remains possible," spokeswoman Veronicque Brachet said.

Apple said it was working with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to develop in-flight iPod systems for other airlines.

more...
The in-seat power for charging the IPOD (especially in Y) will come in handy if flying with these airlines - if the program goes ahead.
 
only as long as it is not used as an excuse not to provide real IFE (eg UA)
 
Kiwi Flyer said:
only as long as it is not used as an excuse not to provide real IFE (eg UA)

When IFE comes with live sport, I'll regard it as 'real' rather than a poor imitation of movie channels. Until then, I welcome the idea of being able to use the aircraft supplied screen with my own supplied vision. Then I have even less reason to unpack the laptop.

One wonders if the airlines really have thought this through though. Apart from skin flicks as obvious objectionable material, are they really going to let me watch "Flying High" on a large screen in J? Common sense says "why not, who cares what you watch?" But then again, common sense and airline regulation haven't been the best of mates recently...

mt
 
I don't think this is a good idea.

Airlines should not be installing proprietary plugs for such things as Ipods. What happens when Apple decides to change their plug design? Or if they change their input voltage etc.

At the moment though, this is just hype. Partnerships may happen, but I don't think anyone has committed to anything.
 
Mal said:
Airlines should not be installing proprietary plugs for such things as Ipods. What happens when Apple decides to change their plug design? Or if they change their input voltage etc.
I agree that the airlines would not want to be locked into a proprietary plug for devices such as IPOD's, although one of the advantages of the IPOD is the USB connectivity, particularly for charging. I would assume that USB is pretty much a standard for all MP3 players, so perhaps the introduction of powered USB ports as SQ are doing would be a good idea.

I guess I see some merit given the number of people that travel with these devices but the airlines do lose control over what is displayed on IFE screens as noted by mainly tailfirst. As I don't have a video IPOD and travel almost exclusively in Y, the main advantage I would get is the ability to charge the IPOD on a long haul flight
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..
Back
Top