Disqus
Apple is rebuffing those that are complaining in respect of it’s new iPod shuffle’s supposed hardware DRM. The kerfuffle all kicked off when Apple released the new shuffle, and put all the buttons on the in-line headphones/remote. iLounge and the Electronic Frontier Foundation said they found a chip behind the buttons, and assumed it was authentication.
However, Apple provided some more details and have said there is no encryption on the control chip – which should mean that third-parties can make their own headphones. What Apple does offer though is a license option, whereby developers/manufacturers can buy the mic and chip in the remote, as part of it’s signature “Made for iPod” program. Of course that doesn’t answer the question if the third-parties will get a “Made for iPod” badge if they come up with their own chip….
Quite what opinions are regarding the new iPod shuffle are somewhat split – the last generation was SO good, this one perhaps has taken minimalism a step far – if it’s also causing issues for the third-party manufacturers (who have potentially a lucrative accessories market off the back of Apple), then it could be in for a rough ride!
For those that want their mobile music on a simple, easy to use, cheap, and generally great device – have no fear – the last gen shuffle is still available! Yay! Either way round you can find all things Apple and Shuffle (and UK) here.
[Story via: ipodnn.com / Image via: Apple]
About The Author
Ben Robinson
Ben is a 10+ year veteran of the Mobile industry – starting his career when SMS was a still a relatively new concept for most people (!), he has now consulted on everything from bleeding-edge Mobile content, to the next-gen accessories you might view it on. As a result he has a broad and deep knowledge in numerous areas of Mobile – from network operators to device vendors, to infrastructure and middleware vendors (not to mention content delivery) – and has worked for companies in all of these areas! He is based in the UK, a hotbed of activity for mobile, and recently became a father for the second time – as oppose to in his younger years when he was happy spend time tweaking all manner of mobile devices to 'nth' degree, he now looks for services and hardware that provide the most efficient, compact, and reliable improvements to his already manic life! It’s his opinion that Mobile solutions should be there to help to make your life better – if a particular solution (be it service or device) isn’t doing this, he believes you need to ask the very important question of why you continue to use it... His focus at IntoMobile is mainly on Mobile content, services, and infrastructure, particularly as regards the UK market – and with the occasional look at devices. Additionally, using his extensive experience in the industry, he will provide commentary on the industry at large, with regular (and hopefully thought-provoking) articles.
