Apple Proposes iTunes Kiosks

A recent patent filing suggests Apple is looking into iTunes kiosks that could be used to download movies or audio, according to an AppleInsider report.

Apple begins by outlining some of the problems associated with plugging in portable products via a physical connection.

"The continuous engagement and disengagement of the media device connector may result in excessive wear and failure of the connector," Apple explains. "Also, because certain media distribution systems may be located in public places, a connector of the media distribution system may be exposed to tampering by users or excessive exposure to environmental conditions."


The company adds that using a traditional and open WiFi connection may be one alternative, but says this too presents a variety of problems, such as the potential for eavesdropping, hacking, and overloading when an excessive numbers of devices attempt to access the same wireless connection.

Apple's solution to this problem, and the core of its patent filing, is to therefore establish "a virtual physical connection" between the kiosk and media device, whereby the kiosk first has a means of determining the physical presence of the media device in its proximity and then establishes a wireless data channel with the media device.

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