The company has just sent out word that it is at present in the inception and development stage of yet another product that would further revolutionize the way that we enjoy our iPods. And this would not be coming in the form of another iPod sibling like the iTrip and FM transmitters. The new gadget would come in the form of a dock connector.

So how would this new docking device be quite unique for the iPod? Well, Apple says that it is going to be one gadget that they are trying to create so much so that the iPod can be charged and docked in any position which is very much unlike all docking stations right now where the iPod can be charged up horizontally. Apple also is saying that they are thinking of creating this gadget that they are developing have the capacity of charging up the popular portable media player without the use of wires. Now that would be something that most of us would be looking forward to.

Such a feat can be made possible though and this is one thing that Apple certainly believes strongly in. They have already filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office and they have stated new methods as per how they would be able to create this new accessory for the iPod. Apple has been using terminologies like "non-contact based platforms" and this pertains to using devices that can transfer data, information and power without being in contact with each other.

The company even furthermore shares, "When electrical contacts are used, the electrical contacts may be implemented in connectors and/or they may be surface or flush mounted on the housings of the portable electronic device and the docking station. In either case, each device includes a set of corresponding contacts that when in contact allow data and power to be transferred therethrough." This is as per a press release given out by Apple with regards to their new project.

Apple also did further explain that they would be trying out non-contact platforms for the new iPod docking and charging station. These non-contact platforms could include inductive coils. In a statement, they share, "The inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively. Furthermore, inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize." Apple also did further mention that for everything to work out just right, both the docking station and the portable electronic device, or the iPod, must use the secondary coil which would act as the non-contact platform.

The company also did say that they have already tried out such a technique to see if it would work and if it was successful, they were also going to check if such a device would be feasible for the market. “In one implementation, both data and power are transferred via the inductance-based system. For example, low frequency electrical current may be passed from the primary coil to the secondary coil in order to power or charge the portable electronic device and high frequency current may be passed from one coil to the other in order to send/receive data," expresses Apple. Additionally, the company points out: "The data and power inductors may be separate, integral or they may be superimposed on one another. In another implementation, power is transferred via an inductance-based system and data is transferred via a wireless system. The combination of inductance and wireless provides an efficient way to transfer both power and data while keeping both the docking station and portable electronic device fully enclosed."