Apple granted patent for a ‘highly portable media device’

Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,534,452) for a “highly portable media device,” which related to similar patents dating back to 2005. The idea seems to be an Apple-developed solid state drive gadget that holds photos, songs, movies, etc., and which can be used with Macs, iPads, and iPhones with limited storage. The patent also mentions an accompanying app for such a device.

Flash drives are popular for storing data. However, Apple says that, while these devices work well, they’re limited in the operations that they can perform. These devices are only configured for storing and transporting stored data (similar to other portable storage mediums) so don’t include processing components, batteries for powering the processing components, or a user interface that enable users to communicate with the processing components. Apple says there’s a a need for “media players having improved user controls, small sizes, and longer battery life.” 

Here’s the summary of the invention: “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.”