Report: iPod Shuffle accessories to get Apple 'tax'
Getting chippy: Some bloggers think that the iPod Shuffle's accessory situation is a nightmare scenario for iPod fans.
(Credit: CNET)In not-so-shocking news, iLounge is reporting that third-party headphones and headphone adapters for the new buttonless iPod Shuffle will require an Apple-licensed authentication chip.
This doesn't come as any great surprise to us because exacting licensing revenue from iPod accessory makers has become a brilliant way for Apple to add to the company's bottom line. But that "Apple tax," so to speak, does get passed on to consumers, and iLounge and others are now assuming that Apple headphone adapters will cost a minimum of $19 and possibly as much as $29. The handful of VoiceOver-compatible headphones that have been announced carry a starting price of $49.99.
The question, of course, is whether Apple has gone too far in requiring you to use only its headphones--or some sort of Apple-approved adapter or headphones for the device. (You can plug third-party headphones into the new Shuffle, and it will play music, but you can't control the volume or navigate songs).
iLounge is calling it a "nightmare scenario" for longtime iPod fans. "Are we entering a world in which Apple controls and taxes literally every piece of the iPod purchase, from headphones to chargers, jacking up their prices, forcing customers to repurchase things they already own, while making only marginal improvements in their functionality?" iLounge Editor in Chief Jeremy Horwitz asks in his review of the new iPod Shuffle. "It's a shame, and one that consumers should feel empowered to fight."
Meanwhile, over at Engadget, Nilay Patel is calling Apple's attempts to "lock down headphones" a sad new low that "makes the lack of physical controls on the Shuffle seem even more ridiculous."
What do you guys think? If the report is correct, is Apple going too far, or is this just a smart business move?
(Source: iLounge via Engadget)
Update: Gizmodo's posted a story going back and forth on whether the chip is an "authentication" chip or a "control" chip that's required for approval as part of Apple's "made for iPod program." It appears "control" is the correct description, but that hasn't been confirmed by Apple.
Hunkered down in New York City, Executive Editor David Carnoy covers the gamut of gadgets and writes his Fully Equipped column, which carries the tag line "The electronics you lust for." He's also the author of "Knife Music," a novel. E-mail David. Follow David on Twitter. 
I agree with willilast. Shuffle has specialized into the player for workout. I just don't see why anyone care about sound quality when running or in the gym.
If you want better sound quality (and all the things missing in Shuffle), just go and get a Nano.
It?s not perfect for working out?not for everyone. If the ear buds keep falling out while your exercising or jogging, you?ll have to pay the ?Apple tax? to buy ones that fit. Even for previous iPod owners, but mainly considering new owners, you?ll have to spend some extra dough on compatible equipment specific for THIS shuffle to play in cars and home stereo systems. Better you go with the nano or jump to another MP3 brand altogether.
That is exactly the reason why most people are making a big deal. Most people who work out or run have sports friendly headphones that will stay in your ears, will isolate seating from getting into your ear canal and provide good sound quality perhaps. Apple headphones doesn't have any of those features.
Is to bad, I had the previous model, so small and light, great for work outs and for running. I lost it and I would love to get this one, has great improvements, the play lists selection and voice feedback would make it perfect for a long run. But the controls on the cable is THE reason I wont buy it, and that's the impression I get from a lot of posters. An included control adapter a few inches long would be perfect, but having to pay extra for an adapter just breaks the deal. How many sells are going to lose, I don't know, at least 1 for sure. lol
And it will be overpriced too...
1. The inline controls are easy to learn. Well they were for me and I am old dog, it took me less than a minute.
2. I now understand the advantage of having the controls on the earphone cord, they are very easy to reach. I would like to also have controls on the Shuffle, but this thing is tiny, maybe in future models. Personally I think we will see dual controls on future iPods, at least the larger ones such as the Nano or Classic.
3. The earbuds fall out easily. I wish Apple would have used their in-ear models with this unit. I will probably put some of those silicone donut things on the buds, or those snap on things to convert it to in-ear.
4. Unless you are an audiophile the quality of the earphones are just fine. Besides at my age years of 5" naval guns, diesels, and other industrial sounds have taken their toll on my hearing.
Getting back on topic. 'iLounge is calling it a "nightmare scenario" for longtime iPod fans.' I feel that iLounge, is just trolling for hits. A "nightmare scenario?" They need a dose of what really constitutes a nightmare scenario.
As for the headphones, I waited to purchase the V-Moda's for my iPhones, bought a waterproof set to work with my 2-gen Shuffle and its H20 waterproof case (which I will keep my 2-Gen for when windsurfing), and I will similarly do with the current Apple headphones until the Scosche headphones (or V-Moda) are realeased to work with my new Shuffle.
If I was worried about being nicked and dimed to death by Apple, I just wouldn't buy their products. But I'm the guy who is waiting for Tuesday's release of the iPhone 3.0 software in anticipation of what it might tell me about new iPhone harware this summer.
Do I play into the hands of Apple marketing? Nope. I just want my devices (from cars to computers to iPods) to function in the easiest, most functional and user-friendly manner. So maybe I'm just the type of person Apple is targeting (age demographics notwithstanding). And I don't mind it a bit. Target away Mr. Jobs.
You could use the new Shuffle as a tie clip. I bought the black one, but it is really about an 85% gray with a fine anodized finish.
Like kaipaniolo says below I have several iPods, one of them being an iPhone, different models have different primary uses. Also like you I choose Apple for a number of reasons and one of them is "to function in the easiest, most functional and user-friendly manner."
Gotta run for few a hours, chat with you all later.
However, Apple has a smart business model. Since the style of their product is unique, and carries a fashion cachet, they can charge pretty much whatever they like and people will buy it.
If you like the way the iPod/Shuffle looks, then pay the Apple tax. If not, there are a large variety of choices out there for MP3 players. Vote with your dollars.
and not sure if you know, but podcasts replace the need for radio. just subscribe to your favorite radio programs, then every time you sync, the newest radio shows / music are on your ipod, very slick...
Let the Apple fan boys froth with their "stylish" gadgets, I'll stick with functionality...(BTW no iPhone either, Blackberry Storm)
Read the details of the article. This only applies to the iPod shuffle because it has no controls on the device itself instead the are on the head phones. So any other model, at this point in time, is totally capable of using third party headphones.
In a way I see apple's point aside from the added revenue generated from the "tax". I think it's a good measure in terms of quality control. If everything third-party is approved by Apple, the manufacturers will have to abide by strict Apple specs. And on a device that had no controls, this would no doubt cause problems.
Isn't this the same strategy that kept Apple from dominating the PC market in the 80's.. trying to own all the hardware and software and charging a premium for everything, rather than just being open and allowing developers to create hardware and software that enhances the product without the licensing costs?
P.S. I bought a Zune and do not regret it. It beats the iPod in almost every way.
you need some filters and $100 is low enough, but keeps the riffraff out of the system.
and gps apps will be mainly done by apple, so when they are ready, you'll see those apps.
Put the controls on the ear buds AND on the shuffle.
Apple obviously ultimately decided that profits were more important than consumer satisfaction and design. Bummer that Apple has gone this direction.
Thanks - Randy the Radio guy.
Go to the online Apple Store and look at the replacement earphones for the new Shuffle, they are also compatible with the iPod Touch
The new shuffle is ideal for my daily workouts. FWIW, I put foam pads on the earphones and they never fall our of my ears. Sound is good enough for the fitness center acoustics. I use better headphones on my classic and iTouch devices but they are used in a different environment for a different purpose.
As with most Apple products. I'd like to see this at a lower price point but that never stopped many from buying.
Reading reviews, user opinions, etc, etc, this more than just a vocal minority. There are a lot of people slamming Apple on this version of the Shuffle.
Reading reviews, user opinions, etc, etc, this more than just a vocal minority. There are a lot of people slamming Apple on this version of the Shuffle."
I was in an Apple Retail Store on Saturday; The numbers to back up nouser's claim about the popularity of the new Shuffle are in the pudding. Time will tell of course and this thing has been on the streets less than a week.
As to the critics, how many of them have used the new Shuffle?
Perry Clease, I CANNOT use it. I use a transmitter in my car so I can hear the music over the car's stereo. "
So get a Nano.
I've used one
prefer my iTouch, nano, or even the Zune any day
What if........ the Zune had proprietary headphones? Good lord the whole damn justice system would come down on them, indictments, subpoenas, and several hundred class action suits because they are locking someone into using MS headphones. iPod comes out with it and the fan base can't praise it enough. I own an iPOD (that I don't use) and sure as hell won't be buying the "new" shuffle. I speak with my spending habits.
I don't understand, the shuffle is aimed at the lower cost market but requires a HUGE premium in the event of busted headphones. Crazy. <shrugs> Go buy em or not, IDK.
"I wonder how it would go over if Apple just ditched the idea of proprietary earphones and just hardwired the headphones to the unit? Why bother having them removable in the first place if you can't get a replacement set anyways? :)"
1. You can get replacement headphones, Apple sells two types and several 3rd party vendors announced plans to sell them. http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipod/ipod_accessories/headphones?n=ipodshuffle3&mco=MTU4NDM&s=topSellers
2. I have one of the new Shuffles. It weighs about as the same as my Plantonics BlueTooth headset. So yeah, they could put a headphone in the unit. Maybe Apple already has plans for that.
Markus McLaughlin
linuxglobe.wordpress.com
Hudson, MA
And the new iPOD is ONE. Read it carefully, ONE product only that uses Apple's headphones
Surprisingly, the ordinary ones from the shuffle have greater bass response than the in-ear ones with two drivers (mid-range & tweeter). The disadvantage is that the standard one keep falling out, so I have fitted some foam covers from another unspecified brand of headphone.
This is only an interim measure, I have ordered some Griffin Ear Jams which clip over the body of the ear buds & attach to three different-sized silicone inserts which fit snugly inside the ear.
- by Keith X March 16, 2009 9:05 AM PDT
- Apple ear buds suck and if that's all u can use I won't be buying a new shuffle to get the extra memory. If they screw up the next nano like this, then when it's time to get a new player for the gym it won't be an Apple iPod.
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
Showing 1 of 3 pages (89 Comments)