Comments on: New iPods have DRM on the headphone interface -- UPDATED http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Thu, 23 May 2013 01:33:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: arkizzle http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440072 arkizzle Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440072 Well, thanks for stepping back to say so, but you were just arguing your view. I certainly don't hold it against you :) I was a jungle / hiphop producer for many years (and still am to a lesser degree), so I do know where you're coming from regarding transparency/quality etc. But I've also worked in some fairly ghetto setups in my time, and I know that it's not the only measure. Don't get me wrong, I'd have given my left arm for a little clarity at times. I've released things that almost make me cry now. But times were tight, and music got made. Well, thanks for stepping back to say so, but you were just arguing your view. I certainly don’t hold it against you :)

I was a jungle / hiphop producer for many years (and still am to a lesser degree), so I do know where you’re coming from regarding transparency/quality etc. But I’ve also worked in some fairly ghetto setups in my time, and I know that it’s not the only measure. Don’t get me wrong, I’d have given my left arm for a little clarity at times.

I’ve released things that almost make me cry now. But times were tight, and music got made.

]]> By: Wabsnasm http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439309 Wabsnasm Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439309 It's not really DRM, is it? As in, it's not a way to manage rights on digital media. It's more like an apple 'tax' chip, similar to what printer manufacturers do to try and restrict the market for compatible cartridges. One of these days Apple's customers will realise that they have to may a lot more for their accessories than anyone else, and they'll either not mind and carry on, or go elsewhere. Apple are betting on the former. We shall see whether they're right or not in time. It’s not really DRM, is it? As in, it’s not a way to manage rights on digital media. It’s more like an apple ‘tax’ chip, similar to what printer manufacturers do to try and restrict the market for compatible cartridges.

One of these days Apple’s customers will realise that they have to may a lot more for their accessories than anyone else, and they’ll either not mind and carry on, or go elsewhere. Apple are betting on the former. We shall see whether they’re right or not in time.

]]> By: jphilby http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439313 jphilby Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439313 Apple is the company that put part of the OS on a chip for decades. The company that used parts you might only get from Apple. The company that started out publishing calls to ROM routines, and years later made you pay developer fees in the thousands of dollars just to find out basic stuff like that. It's not DRM, it's the same proprietary tack Apple's always taken. Hardly just Apple; the TRS-80 was sold cheap because the peripherals were *outrageously* priced. SO: if you don't like the game, don't play. Apple is the company that put part of the OS on a chip for decades. The company that used parts you might only get from Apple. The company that started out publishing calls to ROM routines, and years later made you pay developer fees in the thousands of dollars just to find out basic stuff like that.

It’s not DRM, it’s the same proprietary tack Apple’s always taken. Hardly just Apple; the TRS-80 was sold cheap because the peripherals were *outrageously* priced. SO: if you don’t like the game, don’t play.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440081 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440081 If I had the choice between an MP3 player that works with Apple headphones or an MP3 player that works with everybody else's headphones, I think I would go for the latter. If I had the choice between an MP3 player that works with Apple headphones or an MP3 player that works with everybody else’s headphones, I think I would go for the latter.

]]> By: alaniax http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439315 alaniax Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439315 I have never owned an iPod shuffle, however, I believe the idea is that it surprises you with a "shuffled" playlist, randomly selected from the tracks on your computer. It's a fun little gadget that you can take with you on a plane, or on a run, or whatever. It's not high-end audio equipment. I think it's brilliant to move the controls off the device and onto the headphones. In fact, I hope they go one step further and make an iPod shuffle that fits in my ear, without the need for headphones at all. That would be an amazing thing to have with me at the gym. If they did make it, though, I'm sure all over the internet people would be crying about how you can't even plug headphones into it, or that it doesn't connect to your home theatre. It's designed for *on-the-go* Get over it. I don't think there will ever be a day that you can't plug your Sennheisers into your imac or phone or pod. In fact, the online apple store is happy to suggest several third-party headphones, speakers, and cables to go along with any other iPod model. I have never owned an iPod shuffle, however, I believe the idea is that it surprises you with a “shuffled” playlist, randomly selected from the tracks on your computer. It’s a fun little gadget that you can take with you on a plane, or on a run, or whatever. It’s not high-end audio equipment.

I think it’s brilliant to move the controls off the device and onto the headphones. In fact, I hope they go one step further and make an iPod shuffle that fits in my ear, without the need for headphones at all. That would be an amazing thing to have with me at the gym.

If they did make it, though, I’m sure all over the internet people would be crying about how you can’t even plug headphones into it, or that it doesn’t connect to your home theatre.

It’s designed for *on-the-go* Get over it.

I don’t think there will ever be a day that you can’t plug your Sennheisers into your imac or phone or pod. In fact, the online apple store is happy to suggest several third-party headphones, speakers, and cables to go along with any other iPod model.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-719384 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-719384 The shuffle remote control has now been reverse engineered; not DRM http://david.carne.ca/shuffle_hax/shuffle_remote.html The shuffle remote control has now been reverse engineered; not DRM

http://david.carne.ca/shuffle_hax/shuffle_remote.html

]]> By: Category http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439322 Category Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439322 @ALANIAX The problem isn't that it has a small form factor, or isn't high-end - if people want a great high-end MP3 player, they're not going to buy a shuffle. The problem is that apple has to "recommend compatible third-party headphones, speakers, and cables". As an Audio enthusiast, I already have a lot of cables, headphones, and speakers. Most of my favourite sounding equipment is from the 80's, and I'm betting none of that will have an apple authentication chip in them. You shouldn't need to buy new gear just because you have a new player. It's ridiculous. Apple hasn't had moeny from me since around 2000 - and after how they've been acting recently, I will NEVER give them a quid again. @ALANIAX

The problem isn’t that it has a small form factor, or isn’t high-end – if people want a great high-end MP3 player, they’re not going to buy a shuffle.

The problem is that apple has to “recommend compatible third-party headphones, speakers, and cables”.

As an Audio enthusiast, I already have a lot of cables, headphones, and speakers. Most of my favourite sounding equipment is from the 80′s, and I’m betting none of that will have an apple authentication chip in them.

You shouldn’t need to buy new gear just because you have a new player. It’s ridiculous.

Apple hasn’t had moeny from me since around 2000 – and after how they’ve been acting recently, I will NEVER give them a quid again.

]]> By: Stanton http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439333 Stanton Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439333 <i>Apple has always been known for making the highest quality products and headphones will certainly be included in this. Who uses 3rd party headphones anyway? I hear they're not even safe for iPods.</i> Apple earphones are absolutely bloody awful. I have 2 broken ipods that lasted little over their warranty period. Highest quality, don't be daft. I have a walkman from the mid 80s that still works, it's not impossible to make portable music devices that last. Everyone I know uses 3rd party headphones because the apple ones are utter waste. Headphones not safe for ipods? Eh? That's like saying 3rd party spoons aren't safe to eat your Pret a manger soup with so you'd best stick with the complementary plastic one. Apple has always been known for making the highest quality products and headphones will certainly be included in this. Who uses 3rd party headphones anyway? I hear they’re not even safe for iPods.

Apple earphones are absolutely bloody awful.

I have 2 broken ipods that lasted little over their warranty period. Highest quality, don’t be daft. I have a walkman from the mid 80s that still works, it’s not impossible to make portable music devices that last.

Everyone I know uses 3rd party headphones because the apple ones are utter waste.

Headphones not safe for ipods? Eh? That’s like saying 3rd party spoons aren’t safe to eat your Pret a manger soup with so you’d best stick with the complementary plastic one.

]]> By: Axx http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439335 Axx Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439335 @ 13 Wabsnasm, et. al. No, it's not DRM, but is a economically similar subject. The issue here is what in the industry is called 'lock-in'. http://thatsprettylame.blogspot.com/2008/05/drm-new-coke-and-iphone-bruce-schneier.html Apple expects you to invest in their fine portable music products, then having "locked you in" to buying their headphones, increase their profit by selling you two pieces of hardware instead of one. Their assumption is that consumers will not be informed enough, or simply will not care enough, to side step this issue. Of course, Apple would not be doing this if market analysis hadn't already proved these assumptions to be correct. =/ @ 13 Wabsnasm, et. al.

No, it’s not DRM, but is a economically similar subject. The issue here is what in the industry is called ‘lock-in’.

http://thatsprettylame.blogspot.com/2008/05/drm-new-coke-and-iphone-bruce-schneier.html

Apple expects you to invest in their fine portable music products, then having “locked you in” to buying their headphones, increase their profit by selling you two pieces of hardware instead of one. Their assumption is that consumers will not be informed enough, or simply will not care enough, to side step this issue. Of course, Apple would not be doing this if market analysis hadn’t already proved these assumptions to be correct. =/

]]> By: Palilay http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-441643 Palilay Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-441643 @purephase, @arkizzle : Actually I -prefer- Round aspect earbuds. I've never met a pair of "moulded" earbuds that didn't hurt the bejeezus out of my ears (not the sound, just the shape). #60 @stephen, you're obviously new here. Welcome. @purephase, @arkizzle :

Actually I -prefer- Round aspect earbuds. I’ve never met a pair of “moulded” earbuds that didn’t hurt the bejeezus out of my ears (not the sound, just the shape).

#60 @stephen, you’re obviously new here. Welcome.

]]> By: Joel Johnson http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439601 Joel Johnson Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439601 Okay, Apple are often dicks. No argument from me on the general principle. Plus, I think the new Shuffle is dumb. But I think iLounge's claim that there is an "authentication chip" in the compatible headphones might be off. There are no buttons on the Shuffle, so there needs to be a signal sent from the button on the headphones down to the player, just like currently works on the iPhone. I don't know that there is "authentication", though, beyond a set of compatible electrical pulses that could be cloned by anyone. If there *is* a chip then I'm all for giving the most extended middle finger we can find, but I'm not sure that's what's happening. (Sad that I wouldn't put it past them, of course.) Okay, Apple are often dicks. No argument from me on the general principle. Plus, I think the new Shuffle is dumb.

But I think iLounge’s claim that there is an “authentication chip” in the compatible headphones might be off. There are no buttons on the Shuffle, so there needs to be a signal sent from the button on the headphones down to the player, just like currently works on the iPhone. I don’t know that there is “authentication”, though, beyond a set of compatible electrical pulses that could be cloned by anyone.

If there *is* a chip then I’m all for giving the most extended middle finger we can find, but I’m not sure that’s what’s happening. (Sad that I wouldn’t put it past them, of course.)

]]> By: reglobb http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440626 reglobb Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440626 @paulr: to some degree, yes! I'm not saying its not comfy, though! @paulr: to some degree, yes! I’m not saying its not comfy, though!

]]> By: kbeartx http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440378 kbeartx Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440378 IMO, this is a stupid and pointless discussion. The article clearly states, 'we're not electrical engineers and we don't know if the chip is some form of DRM'. This entire 'issue' is based on somebody's SPECULATION about what the chip is for!!!!! There must be dozens, if not hundreds, of legitimate possible functions for a chip in there. Publish another article when you have some actual information and knowledge. IMO, this is a stupid and pointless discussion. The article clearly states, ‘we’re not electrical engineers and we don’t know if the chip is some form of DRM’.

This entire ‘issue’ is based on somebody’s SPECULATION about what the chip is for!!!!! There must be dozens, if not hundreds, of legitimate possible functions for a chip in there.

Publish another article when you have some actual information and knowledge.

]]> By: Palilay http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439356 Palilay Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439356 Sennheiser headphones are overrated. So-called "Audiophiles" claim they're better, because they're generally bamboozled with a punchier bass response - something real audio professionals know is a false metric of quality. The standard Apple ear-bud headphones that come with the iPod touch are FINE by any subjective standards. The no-button nature of the latest shuffle, and the decision to put the controls on the headphones lead any rational thinking individual to understand just why Apple has put DRM on them - quality control. There are a number of websites out there that actively hate on Apple "mishaps" (most of which are funded by competitors) that generally involve Apple products that are using unlicensed or substandard accessories. Batteries is an obvious example. If you don't like it, buy a different MP3 player. Apple is free to carry on its business however it likes, just as you're free to buy competing products! Sennheiser headphones are overrated. So-called “Audiophiles” claim they’re better, because they’re generally bamboozled with a punchier bass response – something real audio professionals know is a false metric of quality.

The standard Apple ear-bud headphones that come with the iPod touch are FINE by any subjective standards.

The no-button nature of the latest shuffle, and the decision to put the controls on the headphones lead any rational thinking individual to understand just why Apple has put DRM on them – quality control. There are a number of websites out there that actively hate on Apple “mishaps” (most of which are funded by competitors) that generally involve Apple products that are using unlicensed or substandard accessories. Batteries is an obvious example.

If you don’t like it, buy a different MP3 player. Apple is free to carry on its business however it likes, just as you’re free to buy competing products!

]]> By: error404 http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440126 error404 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440126 I do not buy cars from Col Saunders, I do not get medical help from Microsoft, I do not call for the ice cream van when my house is on fire. I do not buy audio equipment from a computer company. I say that because I did actually break this simple credo and bought an ipod. It was rubbish. The thing stores data, in a nifty little package and has a zippy little interface...but the sound quality was very poor. Even with better earphones it was thin. Now very happy with my SONY Walkman 16gb plays most formats and some video and takes any headphones you plug in. Sony are no saints in this LOCK IN nonsense but it seems they have learned a few lessons, while Apple seem to have an openly scornful attitude to their customers. I do not buy cars from Col Saunders, I do not get medical help from Microsoft, I do not call for the ice cream van when my house is on fire.

I do not buy audio equipment from a computer company.

I say that because I did actually break this simple credo and bought an ipod.

It was rubbish.

The thing stores data, in a nifty little package and has a zippy little interface…but the sound quality was very poor.

Even with better earphones it was thin.

Now very happy with my SONY Walkman 16gb plays most formats and some video and takes any headphones you plug in.

Sony are no saints in this LOCK IN nonsense but it seems they have learned a few lessons, while Apple seem to have an openly scornful attitude to their customers.

]]> By: Agies http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439620 Agies Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439620 @40 My Creative Zen Vision M records FM radio just fine. As far as I know there's no DMCA issue with recording off the air as there's no copy protection to circumvent. @40 My Creative Zen Vision M records FM radio just fine. As far as I know there’s no DMCA issue with recording off the air as there’s no copy protection to circumvent.

]]> By: PaulR http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439365 PaulR Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439365 nemik @ 3 <blockquote>Apple has always been known for making the highest quality products and headphones will certainly be included in this. Who uses 3rd party headphones anyway? I hear they're not even safe for iPods. These guys only give iPod buds a B+ @ $29. http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/apple-earphones-with-remote-and-mic/ Buds with same-as or better ratings: Ten bucks cheaper: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/griffin-technology-tunebuds-earbuds-and-lanyard-for-ipod-shuffle-ipod/ (A-) http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sennheiser-mx500-headphones/ (A+) One cent cheaper or same price: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ezgear-ezears-sx50-earphones-ipod/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sennheiser-pmx60-headphones/ $45: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sennheiser-omx70-sport-stereo-clip-on-earphones/ $50: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-fontopia-mdr-ex70lp-earphones-ipod/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-mdr-ex75-stereo-headphones/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/v-moda-remix-m-class-earphones/ $60: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/h2o-audio-surge-waterproof-headphones/ (Waterproof!) http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-mdr-ex81-earphones-ipod/ $66: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-mdr-e888lp-fontopia-earphone-ipod/ 99$: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/jays-d-jays-earphones/ $109: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/westone-um1-single-driver-true-fit-earphones/ $149: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-hf5-high-fidelity-earphones/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-er-6i-isolator-earphones-ipod/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-superfi-4vi-sound-isolating-headset-for-iphone/ $179: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-research-hf2-noise-isolating-headset-earphones/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/jays-q-jays-earphones/ $199: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-superfi-5-eb-ipod/ $249: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-superfi-5-pro-ipod/ $299: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-research-er-4s-earphones-ipod/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/westone-um2-dual-driver-true-fit-earphones/ $400: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-triplefi-10-pro-earphones/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/westone-westone-3-three-way-speaker-earphones/ Yikes!!: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/shure-e500pth-sound-isolating-earphones/ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-ue5c-custom-earphones-ipod/ I feel faint: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-ue-10-pro-earphones-ipod/ <blockquote>The Shuffle is also the cheapest MP3 player on the market. Apple sells them at such low margins, what's wrong with having a few giant headphone companies pay a little more to have it be compatible with the iPod?</blockquote> Er...: I'd bet, um, a dollar, that I can find a cheaper MP3 player in a dollar store. But let me recommend this (I've had one for about a year): http://www.sansa.com/players/sansa_clip Compare here: http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2008/02/sandisk-sansa-clip-vs-ipod-shuffle.php It comes with a clip! Great audio. nemik @ 3

Apple has always been known for making the highest quality products and headphones will certainly be included in this. Who uses 3rd party headphones anyway? I hear they’re not even safe for iPods.

These guys only give iPod buds a B+ @ $29.
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/apple-earphones-with-remote-and-mic/

Buds with same-as or better ratings:

Ten bucks cheaper:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/griffin-technology-tunebuds-earbuds-and-lanyard-for-ipod-shuffle-ipod/ (A-)
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sennheiser-mx500-headphones/ (A+)

One cent cheaper or same price:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ezgear-ezears-sx50-earphones-ipod/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sennheiser-pmx60-headphones/

$45:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sennheiser-omx70-sport-stereo-clip-on-earphones/

$50:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-fontopia-mdr-ex70lp-earphones-ipod/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-mdr-ex75-stereo-headphones/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/v-moda-remix-m-class-earphones/

$60:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/h2o-audio-surge-waterproof-headphones/ (Waterproof!)
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-mdr-ex81-earphones-ipod/

$66:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/sony-mdr-e888lp-fontopia-earphone-ipod/

99$:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/jays-d-jays-earphones/

$109:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/westone-um1-single-driver-true-fit-earphones/

$149:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-hf5-high-fidelity-earphones/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-er-6i-isolator-earphones-ipod/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-superfi-4vi-sound-isolating-headset-for-iphone/

$179:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-research-hf2-noise-isolating-headset-earphones/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/jays-q-jays-earphones/

$199:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-superfi-5-eb-ipod/

$249:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-superfi-5-pro-ipod/

$299:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/etymotic-research-er-4s-earphones-ipod/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/westone-um2-dual-driver-true-fit-earphones/

$400:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-triplefi-10-pro-earphones/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/westone-westone-3-three-way-speaker-earphones/

Yikes!!:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/shure-e500pth-sound-isolating-earphones/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-ue5c-custom-earphones-ipod/

I feel faint:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-ue-10-pro-earphones-ipod/

The Shuffle is also the cheapest MP3 player on the market. Apple sells them at such low margins, what’s wrong with having a few giant headphone companies pay a little more to have it be compatible with the iPod?

Er…:
I’d bet, um, a dollar, that I can find a cheaper MP3 player in a dollar store.

But let me recommend this (I’ve had one for about a year):
http://www.sansa.com/players/sansa_clip

Compare here:
http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2008/02/sandisk-sansa-clip-vs-ipod-shuffle.php
It comes with a clip! Great audio.

]]> By: Scary_UK http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439632 Scary_UK Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439632 @42 - there was a software upgrade for some Zens which disabled the radio record function. Creative did a U-turn on it in the end though. The European software has volume limiting in the software so when the US software disabled radio record it was a bit of a dilema @42 – there was a software upgrade for some Zens which disabled the radio record function. Creative did a U-turn on it in the end though.

The European software has volume limiting in the software so when the US software disabled radio record it was a bit of a dilema

]]> By: Stephen http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440144 Stephen Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440144 I posted a comment making fun of Boing Boing by jumping to conclusions about the nefarious nature of the ad tracking script in their pages, by way of comparison to this article. Boing Boing blocked the post. I posted a comment making fun of Boing Boing by jumping to conclusions about the nefarious nature of the ad tracking script in their pages, by way of comparison to this article. Boing Boing blocked the post.

]]> By: arkizzle http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439634 arkizzle Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439634 Palilay, You are just wrong. Sorry. I have had 2 ipods. One with the first type of earbuds and more recently, the new type. On both occasions I have gone straight to HMV and bought £6.99 Sony earbuds to replace the thinner, tinny Apple 'buds. I'm not being swayed be price or looks, the Sony 'buds look pretty naff.. but they are better, so I use them. There is absolutly no question: earbuds are NOT all equal. You are trying to link the variable quality of cheap components to the mysticism of high-end audiophile nonsense. But there is far greater differences in quality amongst the low to mid ends, than in the high end of audio equipment. It sounds like you are arguing a defensive point, rather than a technical one. I like Apple, a lot, but they don't make competitive earbuds. Get over it. And saying anything but lossless flacs will sound the same through any earbud is just silly. Really. Palilay,

You are just wrong. Sorry.

I have had 2 ipods. One with the first type of earbuds and more recently, the new type. On both occasions I have gone straight to HMV and bought £6.99 Sony earbuds to replace the thinner, tinny Apple ‘buds. I’m not being swayed be price or looks, the Sony ‘buds look pretty naff.. but they are better, so I use them.

There is absolutly no question: earbuds are NOT all equal. You are trying to link the variable quality of cheap components to the mysticism of high-end audiophile nonsense. But there is far greater differences in quality amongst the low to mid ends, than in the high end of audio equipment.

It sounds like you are arguing a defensive point, rather than a technical one. I like Apple, a lot, but they don’t make competitive earbuds. Get over it.

And saying anything but lossless flacs will sound the same through any earbud is just silly. Really.

]]> By: Purly http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439379 Purly Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439379 Apple's headphones are pretty awful. If they pull this with the iphone I will be pissed. Apple’s headphones are pretty awful. If they pull this with the iphone I will be pissed.

]]> By: cookiemonsta17 http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440157 cookiemonsta17 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440157 Well, now I'm sure glad that I talked my boyfriend out of buying one of these. :) Even if the random chip isn't DRM...I'm still cautious about it. Well,
now I’m sure glad that I talked my boyfriend out of buying one of these. :)
Even if the random chip isn’t DRM…I’m still cautious about it.

]]> By: cookiemonsta17 http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440158 cookiemonsta17 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440158 Well, now I'm sure glad that I talked my boyfriend out of buying one of these. :) Even if the random chip isn't DRM...I'm still cautious about it. Well,
now I’m sure glad that I talked my boyfriend out of buying one of these. :)
Even if the random chip isn’t DRM…I’m still cautious about it.

]]> By: lumpi http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439393 lumpi Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439393 It would be about time for a _true_ competitor for Apple/iPod hardware to show up. I'm not talking about technical competition, I'm talking about design. The moment somebody is able to develop an interface equally elegant to that of Apple devices, I wouldn't buy a single product from Apple any more. It would be about time for a _true_ competitor for Apple/iPod hardware to show up. I’m not talking about technical competition, I’m talking about design.

The moment somebody is able to develop an interface equally elegant to that of Apple devices, I wouldn’t buy a single product from Apple any more.

]]> By: dainel http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439395 dainel Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439395 Let me just summarize. Apple is evil. People who buy Apple products are fools because they're feeding the devil. Stop feeding the troll already ... Let me just summarize. Apple is evil. People who buy Apple products are fools because they’re feeding the devil. Stop feeding the troll already …

]]> By: purephase http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-440932 purephase Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-440932 @PALILAY Apple standard headphones fall out of my ears at walking pace, let alone running - they are therefore useless to me (and a large minority of people who also have the same problem). In fact their simple round aspect means that the speaker surface very rarely fits snugly in anyone's ears, and therefore I can hear the music of every idiot who stands next to me using them. This annoys me. In loud environments (tube trains etc) these same idiots need to turn up the volume massively do to the ambient noise. This further annoys me, and also means they risk serious irreparable damage to their hearing. In summary, standard ear-buds are in no way acceptable - rather they are a social menace, and in some cases a health hazard. @PALILAY

Apple standard headphones fall out of my ears at walking pace, let alone running – they are therefore useless to me (and a large minority of people who also have the same problem).

In fact their simple round aspect means that the speaker surface very rarely fits snugly in anyone’s ears, and therefore I can hear the music of every idiot who stands next to me using them. This annoys me. In loud environments (tube trains etc) these same idiots need to turn up the volume massively do to the ambient noise. This further annoys me, and also means they risk serious irreparable damage to their hearing.

In summary, standard ear-buds are in no way acceptable – rather they are a social menace, and in some cases a health hazard.

]]> By: pajp http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439398 pajp Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439398 Am I the only one assuming that #3 was being sarcastic? Am I the only one assuming that #3 was being sarcastic?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439402 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439402 There is no DRM chip. These use the exact same interface that has already been present in the Nano, the 2nd gen Touch, the iPhone (minus volume control) and even the MacBook for months now. The plug has four contact areas on it, instead of the usual three. These are for Left channel, Right channel, Play/Pause and Ground. When you click the buttons on the headphones, it simply shorts one of the appropriate contact areas with ground, which the iPod can detect. It's actually a beautifully simple idea, and I don't know why someone didn't think of it years ago. My friend and I have already ordered adapters in the past months from eBay that let you use any headphones, adding the clicking and microphone. These adapters are incredibly cheap, and you can see how simple things are when you take them apart. iLounge is wrong, they explained the situation incorrectly There is no DRM chip. These use the exact same interface that has already been present in the Nano, the 2nd gen Touch, the iPhone (minus volume control) and even the MacBook for months now.

The plug has four contact areas on it, instead of the usual three. These are for Left channel, Right channel, Play/Pause and Ground. When you click the buttons on the headphones, it simply shorts one of the appropriate contact areas with ground, which the iPod can detect.

It’s actually a beautifully simple idea, and I don’t know why someone didn’t think of it years ago.

My friend and I have already ordered adapters in the past months from eBay that let you use any headphones, adding the clicking and microphone. These adapters are incredibly cheap, and you can see how simple things are when you take them apart.

iLounge is wrong, they explained the situation incorrectly

]]> By: zuzu http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439404 zuzu Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439404 <blockquote>Let me just summarize. Apple is evil. People who buy Apple products are fools because they're feeding the devil. Stop feeding the troll already</blockquote>As opposed to, say, <a href="http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/02/09/sony-releases-new-ns.html" rel="nofollow">Sony</a>? Perspective: you may need some.

Let me just summarize. Apple is evil. People who buy Apple products are fools because they’re feeding the devil. Stop feeding the troll already

As opposed to, say, Sony?

Perspective: you may need some.

]]> By: Rindan http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/new-ipods-have-drm-o.html#comment-439665 Rindan Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-439665 Apple has always been a vile renting seeking, DRM wielding, heavy handed company. The only thing that ever made Microsoft more of the devil than Apple was that Apple spent too much quality time trying to castrate itself for it ever to be big enough to be a worry. Now Apple is getting getting bigger, eating up the market, and their thug like behavior is suddenly getting noticed. I just call it one more reason to not shell out cash to Apple. Don't get me wrong, the shiny white plastic and the effective marketing that will transform me into an uncool nerd into a hip hipster are really tempting... but I think I'll suffer on without. Apple has always been a vile renting seeking, DRM wielding, heavy handed company. The only thing that ever made Microsoft more of the devil than Apple was that Apple spent too much quality time trying to castrate itself for it ever to be big enough to be a worry. Now Apple is getting getting bigger, eating up the market, and their thug like behavior is suddenly getting noticed.

I just call it one more reason to not shell out cash to Apple. Don’t get me wrong, the shiny white plastic and the effective marketing that will transform me into an uncool nerd into a hip hipster are really tempting… but I think I’ll suffer on without.

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