On Slashdot, harlows_monkeys writes: "Apple's trying to patent several aspects of the iPod user interface. This one is particularly interesting because the claims are written in fairly clear and simple language, easy to understand by anyone. If this one is granted, it won't be because an overworked examineer was confused by deliberate obfuscation by the application (which is what I think happens for a lot of the ridiculous patents). About half the claims are for things that were implemented in prior players (e.g., Archos), and the other half are for things that are in many other common device interfaces (DVD players, PVRs) and the only novelty is that Apple put them on a portable music player."
The Slashdot debate is here, and the patent application here.
Comment: as noted below, StarBrite Ltd has already offerd pPod (pBop) lookalike MP3 software for PocketPC handhelds (photo). Its site now says: "Due to legal pressure from Apple we are no longer able to distribute this application. Sorry for any inconvenience."
