Apple, Airlines Agree To Offer iPod Connection

Apple, Airlines Agree
To Offer iPod Connection
A WALL STREET JOURNAL ONLINE NEWS ROUNDUP
November 14, 2006 9:51 a.m.

Apple Computer Inc. struck deals with six airlines to integrate its iPod portable music and video players into in-flight entertainment systems.

Apple said Tuesday the airlines, which include Air France-KLM, Continental Airlines Inc., Delta Air Lines Inc., Emirates Airlines, and United Airlines, a unit of UAL Corp., will begin offering passengers seat connections that will power and charge iPods while allowing video content contained on the devices to be played on seat-back monitors. The connections will be available on planes by mid-2007, Apple said.

Apple's iPod has so far dominated the market for portable music and video players , but the popular device could face stiff competition in coming months from Microsoft Corp.'s Zune and other music players.

Strategic partnerships like Tuesday's airlines deal could help the Cupertino, Calif., company secure a place for the iPod with consumers. Apple also struck deals with auto makers over the summer, teaming up with Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Japanese Ford-affiliate Mazda Motors Corp. to offer iPod connectors in new models.