“Starting in 2007, six big airlines will install iPod connections in their in-flight entertainment systems, Apple said Tuesday,” Roger Yu reports for USA Today. “The on-board connection will be available on selected flights of United, Delta, Continental, Air France, Emirates and KLM airlines.”
Yu reports, “Phil Leigh, an analyst at Inside Digital Media, says the move reflects the airlines’ recognition that iPod is ‘a central component of future entertainment systems.’ Apple may benefit because the deal gives consumers one more reason to choose iPod over other MP3 players, he says.”
“Available starting mid-2007, the connections would power and charge iPods in flight. They would allow travelers to watch and listen to videos and songs that they brought along, instead of having to watch airlines’ programming. It works with regular iPods and iPod Nano, a smaller version of the original. It doesn’t work with iPod Shuffle, another less-expensive version,” Yu reports. “Instead of using the small iPod screen, passengers will be able to watch TV shows or movies on larger seat-back monitors. They range from 7 inches to 23 inches, depending on the cabin class.”
Full article here.
Like they need another reason. Still, keep piling on those new reasons, Apple! Apple is really doing an excellent job of competing against themselves.
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Apple teams with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM & United to deliver iPod integration – November 14, 2006