Early reports late last year had the next iPod coming with wireless functionality. That functionality is said to be using the RDS protocol popular in Europe for nearly a decade now. While this wireless scheme is pretty cool and all, it still doesn’t bring the iPod into the new millenium. What it needs is some true network connecting goodness. Wi-Fi, baby!

Why Wi-Fi? Some would suggest the ability to purchase music on-the-go would be great and ya, I guess that would be cool, but I’m thinking more power — personal power. If there was a WLAN connection available for the iPod to jump onto, it could then do a wireless sync. One could leave their iPod in the car parked out front (for those that think a garage is meant for storage of anything but a vehicle) and it could then sense the Airport connection and start its sync. If stupid Microsoft Windows Mobile devices can sync via Wi-Fi, why can’t the coolest DAP?

This is not a new concept, either. Rockford Fosgate Wi-Fi Car Mp3 Player never really caught on, but it did put the idea to good use. Other DIY kits exist dating far as back as four years ago. So why not the iPod?

Sure, playing music on your RDS equipped car stereo would be cool, but like any wireless connection to your cars deck, it ain’t going to sound that good. Direct connect is the only way really. So instead of wasting battery juice on a few hundred people that even have an RDS equipped head unit in their car, let’s go with Wi-Fi so we can start really using the power of our network where our digital music lives. Come on Steve, it’s another way to sell Airport. :)

[tags]sync,wireless,ipod,wi-fi,needed[/tags]