Apple and RFID

Apple is at it again…

The Company has come up with a solution for utilizing RFID technology to allow average users to setup secure wireless networks in their homes.

When RFID enabled network device is brought in to close proximity of the base station, RFID transceiver collects this information and writes it to read/write RFID tag on the network device. When this device is turned on, it reads configuration data and security keys from RFID tag and establishes secure network connection.

Might this also be the first step in in making Wi-Fi Ipod a reality? Using RFID, wireless data synchronization can be much easier. In fact, one application mentioned in the patent is an Apple wi-fi remote:

“… controlling the operation of the iTunes music software provided by Apple computer… Such a remote control might have buttons for a variety of playback-oriented functions, such as play, pause, skip forward, skip back, volume control, etc, but such a device might not include an alphanumeric keypad or display device suitable to allow configuration of the device to operate over a wireless network. Using the teachings herein, such a remote control could be configured merely be bringing it into proximity with the computer or network base station…”