A new Apple patent filing (number 20130044883) shows that Apple
is working on techniques for presenting sound effects on a
portable media device. Per the patent, the sound effects can be
output as audio sounds to an internal speaker, an external
speaker, or both. In addition, the audio sounds for the sound
effects can be output together with other audio sounds
pertaining to media assets (e.g., audio tracks being played). In
one embodiment, the sound effects can serve to provide auditory
feedback to a user of the portable media device. A user
interface can facilitate a user’s selection of sound effect
usages, types or characteristics. Here’s Apple’s background on
the invention: “Conventionally, portable media players have user
input devices (buttons, dials, etc.) and a display screen for
user output. Sometimes the display screen updates as user inputs
are provided via the user input devices, thereby providing
visual feedback to users regarding their user input. However,
the display screen does not always provi