Subscribe now

DO YOU sometimes find the music on your MP3 player just doesn’t match the tempo of your punishing exercise regime?

To save you the hassle of fiddling about for the right track, iPod maker Apple last week filed a patent on an MP3 player designed to match the music’s tempo to your activity (US patent application 2006/0107822).

The Californian firm says a built-in accelerometer would sense your jogging speed and adjust the music accordingly. Crucially, to ensure Kylie doesn’t end up squeaking like Minnie Mouse, the MP3 player would also include a “vocoder”, a signal processor that allows it…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop