News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

November 14, 2006

ipod

Fly the iPod-friendly skies

Posted Nov. 14, ’06, 8:31 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | iPod

Seatback videoThere’s nothing worse than being halfway through a transatlantic flight and finding out that you didn’t fully charge your iPod before you left. If you happen to be fortunate enough to end up on an airline that has power sockets available and you remembered to bring your power adapter, you’d be all set—but since that’s happened only once in the sum total of human history, you’re probably out of luck.

But soft, what light through yonder tiny window breaks? Why, it’s hope! This morning, Apple’s announced that it has partnered with six airlines—KLM, Continental, Delta, Air France, United, and Emirates—to offer seat connections that will let you charge and power your iPods. Even better, for planes that feature seatback video monitors, you’ll be able to watch your iPod videos on those screens, saving you the trouble of finding the perfect angle at which to hold your iPod and squint at its tiny display.

In a word, brilliant. The connectors are expected to start appearing in the middle of next year. And Apple is working with Panasonic Avionics, who owns something like 70% of the in-flight entertainment market to expand the offerings. Personally, I’m hoping they can find a way to make a deal with Jet Blue, my preferred carrier (and I’m a little bummed that it’s not going to be available in January for my next round of cross-country flights). Now that that’s settled, how about some AirPort?

[via Playlist]


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