United Airlines offer iPod & iPhone connectivity
After Singapore Airlines claimed to be the first to the market in offering passengers connectivity for the Apple iPod personal electronic devices, United says it is taking the honors as the first US carrier to offer the amenity. United today is debuting the feature on a transatlantic flight from Washington Dulles to Zurich that allows passengers to connect iPods and iPhones to its IFE system, which features a 15.4-inch widescreen flat panel monitor. The US major has previously said it is engaging in a $165 million revamp to equip premium cabins of its international widebody fleet that includes new Panasonic IFE systems to allow iPod and iPhone connectivity in first and business class, and lie-flat beds on the aircraft.
Last month, Singapore Airlines flew its first flight offering iPod connectivity on an Airbus A340-500. The carrier is reconfiguring five of the aircraft to all-business class layouts. “Our guests may now watch or listen to what they want, when they want, with programming they choose,” said United Airlines executive VP Graham Atkinson in a statement today. “United will continue to provide services and technology that makes our customers’ travel experiences more relaxed and enjoyable.”
Source: PC World, Ars Technica
Comments(18)
Nice!! Now I can listen to music as I fly.
When I bought my car a few years ago, I deliberately looked for one with a cassette deck so that I could slip in one of those adapters to play my mp3 player instead of being restricted to CDs (who uses them any more?!)
I guess airlines are finally catching up!
Emirates airlines ftw
who needs entertainment in flight. I always take ambien and sleep for the entire flight. time goes by in the blink of an eye.
Interesting.. anyone else from singapore around here..
Singapore airlines FTW!!
@redline, I’m from S’pore!! Yo fellow countryman!! LoL.. coolios.
Singapore airlines ftw!!
another fellow Singaporean here! =)
wow, I can now watch movies from my ipod on the back of a seat… or I could just use the iPod like I have been doing on long haul flights for the last few years!!!
Singapore airlines ftw!!!!
am from singapore too!
amazing, all these business travelers fly on company money, yet they get the most points, free flight, and all the gadgets they should never have.
while others, who work for their plane tickets get shít, yet again.
btw, united is supposed to be bankrupt by 2009, so this news funny the most.
I hate how the words “MP3 player” have been replaced by “iPod”.
LOL WTF in the world is singapore?
Ok just googled for it. Apparently its some island in South East Asia that is part of china.
LOL who knew?
people with culture?
WTF! IPOD!!? Why do they support some proprietary product of another company. what a bunch of ball lickers.
Mass storage device connection would be better.
whoever is thinking that mp3 player and ipod will not be equialent in future, should give up their struggle already and enjoy the quality products :p
anyways, what’s up with “all-business class”? wtf is that
LOL WTF in the world is singapore?
Ok just googled for it. Apparently its some island in South East Asia that is part of china.
LOL who knew?
“”
lol. singapore is a country by itself. that china info is totally wrong.
They should try offering on time flights without 278 delays first
I agree with those above who stated that the ipod specific connection was a stupid idea. a power outlet on the plane (great idea) a device which is unique to only one company and will be replaced by a better piece of technology later on…(rather stupid) I would mush prefer the mass storage device hookup instead. I would also like to know if the RIAA and the MPAA have full access to the records of what has been played. No real reason…because I buy ALL of my music.
ROFL