Mult task XMB is not going to happen due to the RAM limits unless you claw back RAM from games. However that would mean certain games have music and others don't
Same reason why we don't have cross game chat it was not designed to have it from the start.
As for the ipod.....PS3 can already read it within it storage disk state unlike xbox. Unless you mean it should be able to read it without forcing it into storage mode.
Good idea but too late to have added. That said i would like to see it so it easier to share media
One thing i would love sony to improve is how the PS3 handles media it a bit simple right now and when you have loads of media clunky.