A new iPod patent filing has been unearthed today that shows us an iPod built into a small Bluetooth-style headset. Could it be a replacement for the iPod shuffle?

According to the US patent application, the device is a "wireless headset with integrated media player." Apple has included the following abstract about the patent filing:

"Additional functionality in a wireless headset allows it to be used during times that the external device with which it is wirelessly coupled is not being used, but when the headset is nevertheless being worn. This is accomplished by integrating a media player into the wireless headset. The media player may be an audio player, capable, e.g., of playing audio files such as MPEG-3 ("MP3") files. Optionally, the media player may include a recording function as well, so that a user can record voice notes. In addition, if the external device is a telephone (mobile or landline), the availability of a recording function could make it possible for the user to record all or part of a conversation. Similarly, voicemail messages received on the user's telephone could be uploaded into the headset for later off-line playback. Media files recorded by the headset also could be downloaded to the external device."

Of course, just because it's a patent doesn't mean that Apple will create a product. We think this could be a neat addition to the Apple lineup though and wonder if it could possibly replace the iPod shuffle. 

You can read the full details on the U.S. Patent Office website. 

via 9to5 Mac