Apple Inc. (AAPL) Seeking Over-the-Air Hi-Fi Audio Streaming?

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is apparently looking to delve into the realm of over-the-air audio streaming; perhaps an iRadio? Sort of? There is word that Apple is in talks with some hi-fi manufacturers to build an over-the-air music-streaming network without the use of Wi-Fi.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has an AirPlay audio streaming protocol already in place, as it licenses it to the consumer electronics industry. However, it requires a wireless network. But in an article from the Telegraph, Apple has successfully created a point-to-point communication system for hi-fi, and those manufacturers’ electronic devices for playback have developed reception for wireless networks. This new protocol by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)  would allow users to skip the sound cards and inconsistent Wi-Fi connections that are fairly standard on most home computer systems. However, the protocol would force hi-fi manufacturers to license the standard set by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

A hi-fi audio network requires a transmitter – which Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would likely include inside its own device – along with a digital-to-analog converter, which then feeds the signal into an amplifier through some stereo device. While the transmitter would be contained inside an iPhone, iPad or iBook, the hi-fi manufacturers would need to incorporate the end-point of this protocol into its current electronic technology. Right now, there is no telling how it would work or how long it would take for that technology to be considered widely available.

But in the meantime, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) investors will just have to be left watching the appeal of the Samsung patent-infringement decision, and the upcoming launch of new devices to make their money. Among those making money on Apple include hedge-fund managers like Julian Robertson, who has more than 16 percent of his protfolio in Apple stock (see his full portfolio here).