Apple's abstract

An improved portable media device and methods for operating a media device are disclosed. According to one aspect, the portable media device can also function as a solid-state drive for data storage. The form factor of the portable media device can be hand-held or smaller, such that it is highly portable. The portable media device can use one or more status indicators. The portable media device can also include a peripheral bus connector, a rechargeable battery, and one or more input devices. According to another aspect, the portable media device has the capability to store media device status information in persistent memory before powering down. Thereafter, when the portable media device is again powered up, the stored media player status information can be retrieved and utilized. According to still another aspect, the portable media device can form and/or traverse a media asset playlist in an efficient manner.

Input devices

In one embodiment, the media device 100 includes one or more input devices 112. The input devices 112 are configured to transfer data from the outside world into the media device 100. The input devices 112 can, for example, be used to make selections or issue commands for the media device 100. By way of example, the input devices 112 may be selected from buttons, switches, keypads, wheels, joysticks, joy pads, touch screens, touch pads, track balls, and/or the like.

Further into the patent application this point is reiterated by stating that "The media device also includes one or more user input devices that allow a user of the media device to interact with the media device. For example, the user input devices 708 can take a variety of forms, such as buttons, keypads, dials, switches, etc…."

The shuffle for Document storage

Alternately, in some embodiments, data files may be transferred to and from optional data storage, which may be physically and/or logically combined with or separate from media storage. It is understood that a data file includes any data that is capable of being stored in a file system, which includes all file types. Typical data files include text documents, executable files, and graphics files.

Random illustrations

Patent Application FIG. 9C is a block diagram of a second surface of the media device shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B according to one embodiment of the invention.

Patent application FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective diagrams of a portable media device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Notice

Macsimum News presents only a brief summary of patents with associated graphic(s) for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application and/or grant is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent applications and/or grants should be read in its entirety for further details. This report relates to patent application [url=http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&p=1&S1=20060155914&OS=20060155914&RS=20060155914]20060155914[/url].

Cross-Reference to related applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/642,276, filed Jan. 7, 2005, and entitled "PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE AND IMPROVED PLAYLIST PROCESSING ON MEDIA DEVICES", which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently, and entitled "IMPROVED PLAYLIST PROCESSING ON MEDIA DEVICES," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/031,547, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled "PORTABLE POWER SOURCE TO PROVIDE POWER TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE VIA AN INTERFACE," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/051,499, filed Feb. 3, 2005, entitled "ACCESSORY AUTHENTICATION FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/031,288, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISCOVERING A POWER SOURCE ON A PERIPHERAL BUS," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/278,752, filed Oct. 22, 2002, entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY IN A PERIPHERAL DEVICE," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (vi) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/125,893, filed Mar. 18, 2002, entitled "POWER ADAPTERS FOR POWERING AND/OR CHARGING PERIPHERAL DEVICES," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

neo@macsimumnews.com

Note: Macsimum News was on holiday's last week - hence the delay for filing this report.