I like the portable version of iTunes, you know - the software that resides in the iPod itself. As for it’s computer counterpart, well there is room for improvement. Where to begin?

Some of the more common features people want:

1. Cloud functionality. You can listen to your music just about anywhere you have iTunes installed and are logged-in. That would allow you to listen to the same playlist at work as you do at home.

2. Subscriber options that allow access ti the entire iTunes library in unlimited fashion.

3. Automatically remove duplicate songs. This program can weed them out, so why not go a step further and remove them outright? Argh.

Here is what I think they should add as well:

1. Roaming hardware that you can add to. Say you are traveling, and would like to add some new tunes to your iPod. Unfortunately, the iPod is tethered to your PC/Mac at home. You’re screwed. It doesn’t have to be this way. I think you should be given the ability to plug your iPod into any computer with an internet connection, login to the iTunes website (don’t need the application), buy your songs and download directly to your iPod from there. Currently you can download direct with the iPod Touch, but this option would be great for those with other models, or for people who are out of their service/router area.

2. I’d like to plug my iPod into any computer and listen to it’s library there. The iPod would be treated like an external drive with content - nothing would be transferred over to the hosting computer. Would be a lot more convenient - and sound a lot better - than using an audio jack to connect.

3. I’d like to trim/manage the on-board software I don’t need. I’d like the option to banish the Cover Flow feature to the bottom of the list. Yes I still use the classic iPod - how can you tell?

4. A few friendly prompts wouldn’t hurt. “You have changed your songs/playlists since your last sync. Would you like to sync now?” I would like this prompt when I am ejecting my iPod, or shutting down iTunes. I’d also like a “Launch iTunes? Yes / No thanks, just charging!” choice when I plug my iPod in.

5. Dear Steve Jobs, use my charger idea! The people will worship you. More so. Okay that is a hardware idea, my bad. Couldn’t resist.

6. When the battery is running low, put the iPod (or any other iDevice you have, really) into a no-frills mode. No back light. Less fancy interface. No graphics. iTunes would essentially be in DOS mode. I would prefer a working device that wasn’t all bells and whistles, than a dead one that looked good right up until the very end. Certainly would be a great indicator that it’s time to recharge.

7. An audio cue that my battery is running low. “Hello this is your iPod, please charge me, or I’ll DIE!” and “This is your iPod again. I’m just gonna turn the volume down a bit to conserve power. Buh-bye!” Or a few beeps will suffice.

8. You know when I like songs. How about when they fall out of favor? When I skip a particular song a few dozen times in a row, bury it. Then maybe surprise me with it down the road. This includes songs in playlists (just skip them automatically) and shuffle mode.

9. Volume calibration! This seems like a no-brainer, but I’m often scrambling to turn down some songs, and frequently raising the volume on others. Would be nice if iTunes could detect that User input behavior and act accordingly when the offending songs play.

10. “On deck” functionality. I saved the best for last! Obviously playlists are great for what we want to listen to in short order. But there are times you want to jump to a completely different song in your library. It’s an impulsive thing, but why short-change the current song you are listening to? With On Deck, you select your next song to play, and it will queued to play after the current one finishes. You could choose a whole bunch in this fashion. I thought this would be great for those times when I am keeping my iPod ready to start my new selection, but I am lingering on the current song, so I end up juggling (I keep touching the click-wheel to prevent it from switching back to what is now playing). Also this combats the attention-deficit deejaying habits we are all guilty of. Enjoy your batch of spontaneous picks in their entirety, and stop jumping from song to song. You can then save this as a playlist if you want. Better than the current “On-The -Go” functionality (where you assemble a playlist based on what you are playing now).

Also check out my iPod Nano Hybrid Design post.

UPDATE (May 16 2011): 11. I want my iPod to serve as a backup device, in case I lose all my songs on my PC. Just a matter of re-installing iTunes on the PC, logging in with your iTunes account, and then plugging your iPod in to retrieve all the data contained from it (songs, videos, apps, and playlists).