Apple Patent Details Wireless iPod Downloads

Apple has filed a patent which hints at future plans for wireless music transfers in the iPod and iPhone. The application covers the auto discovery of wireless "servers" and other portable devices – particularly in music venues and airports – and the methods of data transfer.
Several schemes are detailed: iPod to iPod, iPod to base station, iPod to iPod via base station. This opens the way for direct downloads from the iTunes Store, and possibly from dedicated booths. Imagine going to a gig and then downloading the recording to your iPod. This, along with yesterday's Zune wireless patent story, points at some shake ups in the wireless musical world. The big difference, though, is that iPod owners will actually be able to find someone to share with.