PortalPlayer could make wireless iPods a reality in 2006

iPod chipmaker PortalPlayer this week said it will team with wireless solutions provider CRS to deliver Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with its next-generation system-on-chip scheduled to make its debut in the second half of the year.

The San Jose, Calif.-based PortalPlayer, whose system-on-chip audio controllers have been a fixture in the iPod since its inception, currently supplies Apple with chips for all varieties of the digital music player with the exception of the low-end iPod shuffle.

Through a combination of PortalPlayer's PP5022 applications processor family and CSR's UniFi Wi-Fi chip and BlueCore Bluetooth chip, consumer electronics and digital media player makers such as Apple will be able to produce wire-free audio and media players by year's end.

The chip's Wi-Fi capabilities will allow iPods to wirelessly synchronising content with iTunes, download podcasts directly from the Internet and stream audio or video content from a PC or the Internet. It will also allow access the Internet at public Wi-Fi hotspots or in metro Wi-Fi networks and uncork new purchase opportunities in these public venues.

On the other hand, the added Bluetooth compatibility will enable wireless stereo headset connectivity.

"Adding Wi-Fi means the personal media player is no longer a slave to the PC. Consumers will no longer have to dock their media player to change playlists or add new songs, photos and videos," said Scott Tandy, vice president of marketing from PortalPlayer. "We are excited to continue the expansion of our core technology platforms into new and rapidly growing segments like wirelessly connected personal media players."

PortalPlayer has said its PP5022 system-on-chip utilizes dual 32-bit ARM7 microprocessor cores and extensive firmware to provide scaleable performance and maximize battery life.

Meanwhile, CSR, which also has expertise in delivering an optimum balance between battery life and performance, says its UniFi-1 Portable is the world's smallest single-chip solution for standard 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi. In addition to functioning properly in close proximity to a Bluetooth radio, UniFi will provide multi-mode 802.11a, b or g operation, extremely low power consumption, and built-in antenna diversity processing for extended speed and range.

PortalPlayer and CSR will be showing reference designs and running a Wi-Fi technology demonstration at the 3GSM World Congress 2006 in Barcelona, Spain, which runs from Feb. 13-17.

Apple has traditionally introduced major advancements to its iPod product line in the Fall, usually just a month or so ahead of the holiday shopping rush.