Jobs plans Iprod trainer

HIS ROYAL Jobsness is apparently working on producing a dedicated personal trainer which one wag has nicknamed the Iprod, according to a report in the Sunday Times.

The story is based on an article from Apple Insider which details patents which the Duke of Cupertino's gang have filed.

This INQ hack reckons it looks very much like there will be a 'personal' trainer version of the Ipod plus software for the Iphone.

The patents detail all manner of sensors which could send back information regarding the owner's current state of health. It's even possible that some sensors might be built into a new Bluetooth headset intended for the Iphone.

The idea isn't particularly new since Apple has been flogging the Nike + Ipod Sport kit which communicates with an Ipod via Bluetooth. Plus Samsung and Adidas recently announced a very similar concept with the Micoach handset.

What intrigues the INQ most is suggestions that support for the Nike + kit – which is now about two years old – has been mysteriously missing from the very latest versions of Apple's firmware.

That would seem to suggest that the Iprod will allow Apple to ditch Nike and market the device using its own brand. µ

See also
Jog-phone delights

L'Inq
Apple Insider