Apple, Airlines Team on Airplane iPod Connectors

Apple Computer, maker of the uber-popular iPod digital media player, on Tuesday said that it had inked pacts with a number of airlines to offer iPod connectors on airplanes that will charge the device, as well as allow video content to be played on seatback monitors, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Apple’s iPod Family

Among the airlines included in the deals are Air France-KLM, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates Airlines and United Airlines, according to the Journal.

The iPod connectors are expected to be available on planes by the middle of next year, the Journal reports.

Apple’s iPod and its iTunes Store currently own the digital media player and online music download space in the United States. Many firms have unsuccessfully attempted to launch MP3 and video players to compete with the iPod, but Microsoft, the world’s leading software producer, may give Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple a run for its money when it launches its Zune device, set to be released on Tuesday.

Last summer, Apple struck deals with Ford Motor, General Motors and Mazda Motors to include iPod connectors within the firms’ new model automobiles, according to the Journal.

In related news, Emirates Airlines said last week that it will offer early next year a new in-flight mobile phone service.