In it's quest to keep it's lead in the digital music space, Apple is teaching the iPod to talk. Yes, Apple has filed for a patent to bring speech to the iPod which will be able to announce the songs over the earphones. This should minimize the need to look at the device and will make the device safer and easier to use while driving, cycling, or in badly-lit locations, according to this article in the Scotsman.
This will be a nice development particularly from a usability perspective. I'm not so sure about the safety issue. Sure it will be safer from the perspective that you will not need to take your eyes off the road/trail as frequently to look at the device, however, you will remain disengaged from your surroundings.
I have an iPod. I do not use it when I ride. Safety is part of it, but really it's because I want to be aware of my surroundings. I don't much care if cyclists want to listen to an iPod while riding as long as you don't get in my way. Runners too. It's not so much a problem on the trail as it is on the bike path. I can't stand when I'm trying to overtake a runner or slower cyclist on the path and they are wearing iPods. They always jump wildly when you pass them even though you shouted a warning and rang your bell three times.
Don't make your problem, my problem...I always say.
Check out the iPedal design on items from CafePress. I have nothing to do with this design just found it while doing a search on the web.
