Remember those strange inline headphone-cable controls on the new iPod shuffle? Well, it seems there's more to the peculiar beasties than meets the eye.
According to various sources reporting over the weekend, it seems the new shuffle controls contain an Apple authentication chip that is required just to make them work.
Hardware DRM?
The hardware lock-in is being seen as the equivalent of DRM copy protection placed on digital music – something Apple has gone on record as disliking.
In other words, if third parties want to make headphones for the shuffle, they're going to have to pay Apple a 'tax' by shelling out for the authentication chips they need.
Looking bad
So far, it seems that non-shuffle 3G headphones with inline controls just don't work on the new player, which seems to verify the speculation. We'll bring you news if Apple decides to clarify the mystery chip.
Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
technobrakes
March 17th
3. Ill show my displeasure by hacking my Ipod touch, ow I all ready have.
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d4lien
March 16th
2. This sort of thing would have people screaming in the streets if MS or Sony was going to do this. Look at Dell with the DVI issue they have brought up and the shouting in the business world about it. But I suppose it's okay as it's Apple and they love us... Don't they? I really do hope this is little more than a rumour.
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lovlid
March 16th
1. Not really a surprise is it? If its true will apple be releasing better sounding headphones at a premium price? Again, it wouldn't be a surprise would it?.
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