On January 24, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple's patent application titled Illuminated touch pad.  Apple's patent generally relates to touch pads that provide visual feedback. More particularly, the present invention relates to illuminated touch pads that use light to provide feedback. Apple’s current patent would strongly suggest that the iPod classic could likely take another leap forward in the future with an advanced touch pad that displays unique illumination attributes. Apple’s current patent also covers the very touch pad features that debuted in their new MacBook Air earlier this month at MacWorld.  

On September 6, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple's patent application titled Remote controller and FM reception arrangement.  Apple's patent generally relates to remote communication devices such as multimedia players, cell phones, radios (either mobile or stationary) and personal digital assistants. More specifically, the invention describes a user configurable modular communications system. Apple's first patent on this subject was published just days prior to Steve Jobs introduction of the iPod Radio Remote back in January 2006. Today's patent may or may not shed more light on the subject.