Red Herring's Scott Martin notes today that Apple Computer has filed a patent (PDF file) that would allow an iPod to record music over wireless, transmit song samples to a server, and enable wireless purchasing and downloading of music.

Other possibilities hinted at in the patent, Martin says, are a possible MVNO relationship with AT&T Wireless, and a possible deal with XM Radio.

"Apple Computer's Steve Jobs may have nothing to fear from Microsoft's upcoming wireless Zune player and its media service," Martin writes.

Industry analyst Rob Enderle says the patent, which was published on Thursday and first filed on August 22, 2005, indicates a product is coming very soon. "Whenever you a see a patent like this with Apple it means that they're working on something," he says. "They're getting a bit more aggressive about getting the patent in just before the product. They don't want it to get out."

Of course, whether the patent refers to an iPod or to the much-anticipated iPhone, Martin notes, is really anyone's guess. Prudential Equity Group analyst Jesse Tortora expects two iPhones to be introduced at macworld in January, one a smartphone with a keyboard, and the other a smaller device.

More here from Gizmodo ... here from Orbitcast ... and here from Satellite Radio TechWorld.