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Unfortunately, not all of the headphones' features work with the video iPod. That's because Apple's latest player, unlike previous iPod generations, doesn't have a small connector near the headphone jack. With both the latest iPod and the recently introduced Nano, Apple has done away with the top connector, rendering a whole slew of existing iPod accessories incompatible with the newest players.
It remains unclear what impact this might have on sales of the new players. Weems debated sending back the video-capable iPod and getting an older model. He says he is leaning toward keeping the new model, but thinks many other consumers may decide to stick with the older model rather than have to buy new add-ons.
What's new:
The video iPod and the iPod Nano render a slew of existing iPod accessories incompatible.
Bottom line:
The lack of a small connector near the headphone jack on the latest iPods could cause some potential buyers to delay purchasing the device because they have to buy new versions of their favorite add-ons.
"A lot of people out there I know have a lot of accessories that they purchased over time," Weems said.
Accessories designed for the dock connector slot at the iPod's bottom work just fine with the Nano. But a bunch of other add-ons, including some of the earliest accessories such as the Belkin voice recorder and Apple's own iPod remote control, don't work with the new players.
Apple representatives have declined to say why they decided not to include the top port on the new iPods. In any case, the move has sent many accessory makers to rush back to their drawing boards.
Griffin Technology, for example, had a number of add-ons that connected via the top port, including its AirClick remote control, iTrip car transmitter and iTalk microphone. The company has already announced an updated AirClick that connects via the dock connector as well as new iTrips that work with the Nano and video iPods.
Logitech said that its headphones do transmit sound wirelessly from the Nano and video iPod using an included adapter, but said that built-in controls on the headphones for pausing, fast forwarding and other functions won't work because of the design change. A Logitech representative said the company already has products in the pipeline that work more elegantly with the new iPods.
"We will bring out a line that will complement all of the new iPods," the representative said.
Apple has even had to replace some of its own accessories, quietly coming out last week with a new remote control for the iPod. The $29 remote is actually the same one that ships with the new iMac and it can be used to control both the iPod and the Front Row media features on the new iMac.
But the key question--whether some potential buyers of the new iPod will put off buying the device knowing they may have to buy new versions of their favorite add-ons--is a big one considering the hundreds of millions of dollars iPod owners have plunked down for all manner of add-ons. But one analyst said he doesn't expect the iPod faithful to shun the new video model just because it doesn't work with their accessories.
Current Analysis analyst Sam Bhavnani said that the new 30GB iPod costs the same as its predecessor and is thinner despite the video abilities and having 50 percent more storage. "The benefits of what they are offering far outweighs the negative of potentially having to buy a new iTrip," he said.
In part to address compatibility concerns, Apple has guaranteed accessory makers that design for the dock connector port that their products will work with future iPods as part of the company's "Made for iPod" program. The computer maker has further pledged that accessory makers can design a universal well for accessories like speakers and that Apple will include any necessary plastic adaptor.
"If they want to design one device that connects with many different size and shape iPods," Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller told CNET News.com earlier this month, "we'll take responsibility to make sure there is a standard dock connector that comes with the iPod."
Apple also is seeking a royalty for such products as part of that program, with one source pegging the fee at 10 percent of a device's wholesale price. Schiller declined to comment on the business terms of the program.
Bhavnani said that the Made for iPod program could pave the way for better communication between Apple and the key accessory makers.
"Apple may be more up front with them then they have in the past about the road maps," he said. "Instead of letting them know right around the launch, maybe they will give them a little more lead time."
See more CNET content tagged:
Apple video iPod, add-on, iTrip, Apple iPod, slew
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I have a feeling (hope?) that Belkin and Griffin will release voice recorders for the dock ... I've seen stuff from Griffin but not a voice recorder yet.
I have a feeling (hope?) that Belkin and Griffin will release voice recorders for the dock ... I've seen stuff from Griffin but not a voice recorder yet.
my PC's. THEY are over-rated. I've havent bought an iPod but my
experiences with Apple on this issue have been undesirable. The
ADC Adapter is a oerfect example, Why use a uncompatible
connector when there is already a proven one. Not being able to
use my 23" Apple HD Monitor monitor with my PC was the first
thing, so I bought an adapter switch box for 300 bucks. Then I
bought a G5 which in turn rendered the box useless. Its
pathetic. Im glad the finally switched back to DVI but im not
happy about burning the 300. Im sure New iPod owners can
relate to that.
my PC's. THEY are over-rated. I've havent bought an iPod but my
experiences with Apple on this issue have been undesirable. The
ADC Adapter is a oerfect example, Why use a uncompatible
connector when there is already a proven one. Not being able to
use my 23" Apple HD Monitor monitor with my PC was the first
thing, so I bought an adapter switch box for 300 bucks. Then I
bought a G5 which in turn rendered the box useless. Its
pathetic. Im glad the finally switched back to DVI but im not
happy about burning the 300. Im sure New iPod owners can
relate to that.
The I-pod may be a top seller but is far and away NOT the best product for the dollar. Please begin carrying some info about things like Creative Vision, Live365, etc.
After all, God has not changed his name to Steve Jobs.
The I-pod may be a top seller but is far and away NOT the best product for the dollar. Please begin carrying some info about things like Creative Vision, Live365, etc.
After all, God has not changed his name to Steve Jobs.
Guess what. I am damn sure they did not consider, well gee.
We can't do that because it will hurt the third-part add-ons.
Hmmmm. Maybe there should be a program, where third-party
vendors can be included in the loop, get a heads-up from Apple
about new designs, etc. .... "OH NO Mr. BILL!!" that's that damn
ipod "tax" program.
Oh well. After all, serious manufacturers only want to make
money off of another companies product, and not participate in
any programs, and receive free support as a result. Aint that
right?!
Guess what. I am damn sure they did not consider, well gee.
We can't do that because it will hurt the third-part add-ons.
Hmmmm. Maybe there should be a program, where third-party
vendors can be included in the loop, get a heads-up from Apple
about new designs, etc. .... "OH NO Mr. BILL!!" that's that damn
ipod "tax" program.
Oh well. After all, serious manufacturers only want to make
money off of another companies product, and not participate in
any programs, and receive free support as a result. Aint that
right?!
doubles as a boot drive. I was told by Apple that FireWire works
like it use too, but upon getting the order the following week, it
only charges, just like the Nano. Not sure what the reasoning
was, but I would have considered a 4th Gen Photo instead. The
video looks nice and I can still use it as a external drive, so I
ultimately decided to keep the iPod, gave the cable to a friend.
This was my first iPod, so accesories, besides not having cases,
does not affect me.
doubles as a boot drive. I was told by Apple that FireWire works
like it use too, but upon getting the order the following week, it
only charges, just like the Nano. Not sure what the reasoning
was, but I would have considered a 4th Gen Photo instead. The
video looks nice and I can still use it as a external drive, so I
ultimately decided to keep the iPod, gave the cable to a friend.
This was my first iPod, so accesories, besides not having cases,
does not affect me.
They released a new remote control that controls a DOCKED iPod, hardly the same as the old wired one attached to the earbuds. And since when is one remote control (with different functionality)"some accessories"?
They released a new remote control that controls a DOCKED iPod, hardly the same as the old wired one attached to the earbuds. And since when is one remote control (with different functionality)"some accessories"?
- free ipod video site helps Ipod
- by October 24, 2005 6:21 PM PDT
- A site called http://www.peer2link.com will actually help the Apple. There are free ipod movies on this website, which will encourage more people to buy the video player because now they can get free content.
- Reply to this comment
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- Since when was illegal file sharing helping Apple?
- by Jamie314 October 25, 2005 5:30 AM PDT
- I'm not sure whether videos specially formatted for iPod makes this any better than any other 'underground' file sharing site ? it's still illegal.
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